It’s not time to be involved, however it’s time to be a bit perplexed.
After beginning the season 21-5, the Celtics have now misplaced three of their final 4 and are in peril of dropping three straight for the primary time because the 2023 playoffs.
Listed below are three issues to search for as Boston hosts the plucky Pacers – a workforce that hardly ever makes it simple – tonight at 7:30 p.m.
It’s usually shut when these two meet.
If it feels just like the Pacers sometimes give the Celtics a detailed recreation, that’s as a result of they do (apart from that one outlier when the Celtics scored 155 factors, in fact).
5 of the final six video games (common season and playoffs) have been determined by 5 factors or fewer.
Indiana gained, 135-132, when the groups met in late October. Within the common season final 12 months, the Pacers gained the penultimate assembly by two, then the Celtics gained the ultimate one by 5. Within the playoffs, Boston prevailed by 5, 17, 3 and three factors in a sequence that was a lot nearer than the 4-0 outcome signifies.
It’s most likely the extent proper under an official rivalry, but it surely’s nearly at all times aggressive and intense when Boston and Indiana go head-to-head. You’ll be able to inform it means slightly additional to either side.
How a lot do the Celtics depend on the three?
One factor is abundantly clear. Whether or not 3-point pictures are falling or not, the Celtics are usually not going to be afraid to maintain letting them fly.
Towards the Bulls, Boston shot 25 % (14 of 56) in a 117-108 loss. Towards the Magic, that quantity dipped barely to 24.2 % (8 of 33) in a 108-104 defeat. Towards the 76ers, they ended up taking pictures 40.8 % (20 for 49), however chilly stretches shifted the momentum and in the end haunted them.
If the Celtics go frigid towards Indiana, can they discover different methods to attain? Or will the regulation of averages, and a dedication to the bit, finally pull them out of the droop? A bit extra versatility, and fewer predictability, might bode nicely long run.
Every little thing seems ugly when u missin. When Boston hittin 25 3s in a recreation, all people appears completely happy and excited in regards to the progress of the sport
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) December 26, 2024
Can they win the help battle?
Opponents have registered extra assists than the Celtics in every of the three current losses – 23-21 towards the Bulls, 26-13 towards the Magic and 28-24 towards the 76ers.
The Celtics are at their finest when the ball is flying across the flooring and so they’re chopping and passing at a excessive degree. At instances throughout this stretch, they’ve grow to be too isolation-heavy.
The present debate about whether or not 3-pointers are good for the sport is foolish. If the pictures come off nice motion, in fact they’re enjoyable to observe. In the event that they’re contested step-backs off no motion, in fact they’re not.
The Celtics must get again to their roots and lean on what’s gotten them right here. They’re right down to nineteenth within the NBA with 25.4 assists per recreation, which is clearly not superb.
So no, it’s not time to panic, however it’s time to reply.
