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Indiana Pacers Playoff Preview: 4 Potential First Round Matchups

By Adrian Lawhorn

Mar 22, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) works the ball against Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) works the ball against Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 22, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) in the second half at TD Garden. Celtics defeated the Pacers 109-100. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) in the second half at TD Garden. Celtics defeated the Pacers 109-100. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Boston Celtics

The Celtics were expected to contend in the Eastern Conference race in 2016-17, and they have not disappointed. They are currently the No. 2 seed, and they are knocking on the door of the defending NBA champion Cavaliers for the top spot in the conference.

Boston swept the season series with Indiana, 3-0. However, the Celtics did not win any of those games by double-figures, so the Pacers were able to maintain contact, but could not close any of these games with a victory.

The Celtics are a versatile club that can run the break or play in the halfcourt. Boston and Indiana play at a similar overall pace, but the Celtics are 10 spots higher in NBA offensive rating, and five positions above the Pacers defensively.

The offseason addition of forward/center Al Horford was supposed to elevate Boston’s chances in the East, and that has seemingly been the case. This is a well-coached, well-rounded team led by dynamic point guard Isaiah Thomas.

Boston is a fundamentally sound team who can win in a variety of ways. Despite the fact that the point differentials have been fairly small in games between the Celtics and Pacers this season, this isn’t a good matchup for Indiana.

The Pacers have struggled with consistency all year, and Boston just plays too well together as a unit to give Indiana much of a shot in a seven-game series.

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