The Boston Celtics are set to host the struggling Indiana Pacers in a crucial NBA matchup on Monday, December 22, 2025. This game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this week, with both contests holding significant weight for their respective standings.
Game Details and How to Watch
The action tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. For fans in India and globally, the broadcast will be available on FDSIN and NBCS-BOS. Online streamers can catch the game live on Fubo and Peacock platforms.
Team Form and Key Absences
The Celtics, boasting a 17-11 record, enter the game with momentum from two consecutive commanding victories, each won by over twelve points. Their most recent win was a 112-96 triumph over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, a game where they impressively closed out the fourth quarter 29-16 even without star Jaylen Brown.
In contrast, the Indiana Pacers are in a slump, looking to snap a four-game losing streak. Their last outing was a 128-109 defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Centre.
Injury Report and Expected Lineups
The injury list is lengthy, especially for the visiting Pacers, which could heavily influence the game's outcome.
Indiana Pacers Injury Report:
- Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) - Out
- Aaron Nesmith (Knee) - Out
- Obi Toppin (Foot) - Out
- Ben Sheppard (Calf) - Out
- TJ McConnell (Knee) - Questionable
Boston Celtics Injury Report:
- Jayson Tatum (Achilles) - Out
- Jordan Walsh (Illness) - Questionable
Given these absences, the expected starting lineups are projected as follows:
Indiana Pacers: PG Andrew Nembhard, SG Quenton Jackson, SF Bennedict Mathurin, PF Pascal Siakam, C Jay Huff.
Boston Celtics: PG Payton Pritchard, SG Derrick White, SF Jaylen Brown, PF Sam Hauser, C Neemias Queta.
Game Prediction and Key Factors
The Celtics appear to be the clear favourites, riding a wave of confidence and demonstrating depth in their roster. Payton Pritchard's stellar performance of 33 points and 10 assists against the Raptors shows they have multiple scoring threats. For the Pacers, the burden will fall heavily on players like Pascal Siakam, who scored 22 points in their last game.
Analysts predict a game where the total score might stay Under the projected line. The Celtics' preference for controlling the tempo could be highly effective against a Pacers squad missing its primary offensive engine in Haliburton and struggling as one of the league's lower-scoring teams.
Ultimately, Boston's home-court advantage, superior form, and relatively healthier core are expected to overpower an Indiana team decimated by injuries. The Pacers' fight to end their losing skid faces a formidable challenge in the Celtics' fortress at TD Garden.
