One night after a sloppy 97-86 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on their home court, the Celtics hit the road to take on the 3-3 Pacers in Indiana. They're in need of a win to bounce back from their second-half collapse in Boston, but on the tail end of a back-to-back weekend, this one won't be easy.
When and Where
Saturday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m. ET (CSNE)
Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind.
Records
Pacers (3-3, Fifth place in Central Division)
Head To Head
Skinny
No one likes a one-man team, but with the underrated and rapidly improving Danny Granger leading the way in Indiana, that's what these Pacers look like. Granger has been dominant this season, averaging 24.2 points and 6.7 rebounds to carry the ballclub, but this team needs its young talent (Roy Hibbert, Brandon Rush, Tyler Hansbrough) to step up in a big way this season.
Projected Starters
Point guard: Rajon Rondo
Shooting guard: Ray Allen
Small forward: Paul Pierce
Power forward: Kevin Garnett
Center: Kendrick Perkins
Pacers
Shooting guard: Brandon Rush
Small forward: Danny Granger
Power forward: Troy Murphy
Center: Roy Hibbert
Stat Sheet
The Celtics have allowed 85.8 points per game, the lowest average in the NBA.
They are 5-1 against Eastern Conference opponents.
Kevin Garnett has just 9.3 points per game on the road this season.
Rajon Rondo leads the NBA with 28 steals.
Kendrick Perkins has 2.1 blocks per game this season, a career high.
Paul Pierce has scored in double figures in all 10 Celtics games this season.
Ray Allen is a 39.9 percent three-point shooter for his career against the Pacers.
Pacers
The Pacers are 2-2 this season against Eastern Conference opponents.
They have exactly as many points scored this season (596) as points allowed.
Roy Hibbert leads the NBA with 2.7 blocks per game.
Danny Granger has attempted 58 three-pointers this season, second-most in the NBA.
Troy Murphy is averaging 8.7 points per game this season, his lowest offensive output since his rookie season.
T.J. Ford is averaging 15.1 points and 6.0 assists per game against the Celtics in his career.
Brandon Rush is 2-for-12 from three-point range at home this season.
Black and Blue
Paul Pierce suffered a cut on his right cheek earlier this week. He played hurt in the Celtics' loss to the Hawks on Friday night.
Glen Davis is out until December with a broken thumb.
Tony Allen is out indefinitely with an ankle injury.
Pacers
T.J. Ford left Wednesday's game against the Warriors with back spasms. He is questionable for Saturday night.
Troy Murphy missed Wednesday's game with a bruised lower back. He hopes to return Saturday.
Brandon Rush returned from an ankle injury on Wednesday night. He contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, a steal and two blocks to the Pacers' win.
This Date in Celtics History
Overheard
–Rajon Rondo in this weekend's Boston Globe magazine
Press Box
The Hawks soared over the Celtics.
Rajon Rondo shares some wisdom.
Glen Davis has fond Celtics memories.
Pacers
Indiana won its third straight on Wednesday.
The Pacers beat Stephen Jackson, and their fans booed him.
Earl Watson has found his shooting touch.
NBA
The Nets are still winless.
The Knicks aren't much better than the Nets.
Could LeBron James switch numbers?
Outlook
The Celtics might have some trouble recovering from Friday night's setback against the Atlanta Hawks, but they've got the right opponent on Saturday night to right the ship. The Celtics have owned these Pacers in the past, and Boston shouldn't expect anything different this time around. Expect a big night from captain Paul Pierce as the Celtics get back on track.
