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 group that not often 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 an in depth recreation, that’s as a result of they do (apart from that one outlier when the Celtics scored 155 factors, after all).
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 beneath an official rivalry, however it’s nearly at all times aggressive and intense when Boston and Indiana go head-to-head. You’ll be able to 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 should not going to be afraid to maintain letting them fly.
In opposition to the Bulls, Boston shot 25 % (14 of 56) in a 117-108 loss. In opposition to the Magic, that quantity dipped barely to 24.2 % (8 of 33) in a 108-104 defeat. In opposition to the 76ers, they ended up capturing 40.8 % (20 for 49), however chilly stretches shifted the momentum and finally haunted them.
If the Celtics go frigid in opposition to Indiana, can they discover different methods to attain? Or will the legislation of averages, and a dedication to the bit, ultimately pull them out of the hunch? A bit extra versatility, and fewer predictability, may bode properly long run.
All the pieces appears to be like ugly when u missin. When Boston hittin 25 3s in a recreation, everyone appears completely happy and excited concerning 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 in opposition to the Bulls, 26-13 in opposition to the Magic and 28-24 in opposition to the 76ers.
The Celtics are at their greatest when the ball is flying across the ground and so they’re chopping and passing at a excessive degree. At occasions throughout this stretch, they’ve develop into 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, after all they’re enjoyable to observe. In the event that they’re contested step-backs off no motion, after all 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 superb.
So no, it’s not time to panic, however it’s time to reply.
