Indiana Pacers: 5 keys to series vs. Celtics

1. Throw different looks at Kyrie Irving

While there are already a handful of things to focus on defensively, containing Kyrie Irving should still be the priority. Without Victor Oladipo, there certainly isn’t one Pacer who can stick with the six-time All-Star for the entire game, but the best chance Indiana has is throwing different defenders at him.

Of course, the lineup that the Cs put on the floor will ultimately determine the rotation of defenders that McMillan throws at Irving. But with his assist rate at an all-time high, he’s just as much of a threat passing as he is scoring.

Despite rumors that the 2016 NBA champion may potentially leave this team in the summer, Irving has had a memorable bounce-back season leading the Celtics back to the playoffs.

His impact has been felt in many ways, and the Pacers have to make life as hard on him as possible if they want to give the Celtics a fight later. Wes Matthews, Cory Joseph and Darren Collison — now back in the lineup after a groin injury — will have to buckle down and embrace the challenge.

While the Celtics have proved multiple times this season that Indiana’s defense is no match for them, the Pacers still have a chance if they’re able to execute on all these fronts come Sunday.