Three issues to search for because the Celtics attempt to bounce again towards the Pacers

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 at risk of dropping three straight for the primary time for the reason that 2023 playoffs.

Listed here are three issues to search for as Boston hosts the plucky Pacers – a staff 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 usually give the Celtics an in depth 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 yr, 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 collection that was a lot nearer than the 4-0 end result signifies.

It’s most likely the extent proper beneath an official rivalry, however it’s nearly at all times aggressive and intense when Boston and Indiana go head-to-head. You may inform it means just a little additional to each side.

How a lot do the Celtics depend on the three?

One factor is abundantly clear. Whether or not 3-point photographs are falling or not, the Celtics will not be going to be afraid to maintain letting them fly.

Towards the Bulls, Boston shot 25 p.c (14 of 56) in a 117-108 loss. Towards the Magic, that quantity dipped barely to 24.2 p.c (8 of 33) in a 108-104 defeat. Towards the 76ers, they ended up capturing 40.8 p.c (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, may bode properly long run.

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 ground and so they’re chopping and passing at a excessive stage. At occasions throughout this stretch, they’ve turn out to be too isolation-heavy.

The present debate about whether or not 3-pointers are good for the sport is foolish. If the photographs come off nice motion, in fact they’re enjoyable to look at. In the event that they’re contested step-backs off no motion, in fact they’re not.

The Celtics have to get again to their roots and lean on what’s gotten them right here. They’re all the way down to nineteenth within the NBA with 25.4 assists per recreation, which is clearly not splendid.

So no, it’s not time to panic, however it’s time to reply.