Matchup
Despite a career-high 38 points from Jazz forward Gordon Hayward, it was Paul George who got the final word in on Monday, drilling a jumper from the top of the key to put the game on ice.
The win — which came on the second night of a back-to-back — gave Indiana its 14th straight game alternating wins and losses, a streak that has kept Indiana entrenched in the sixth spot in the East.
On Wednesday, the Pacers will face yet another tall task as they face off against the Boston Celtics, currently sporting the second best record in the conference and winners of four of their last five games.
PLAYOFF PICTURE: Track the Pacers' Playoff Push »
The mid-week meeting will be the third and final regular season game between the teams, and the Celtics have won each of the first two, one by six points, the other by seven.
Since the Celtics are a potential playoff opponent, a win on Wednesday would go a long way in building the confidence of a Pacers group that has been trying to snap out of its inconsistency since the All-Star break.
One area that seams to have settled for the Blue & Gold is its defense, which has been among the NBA's best since the break.
According to NBA.com/stats, the Pacers are sporting the fifth best defensive rating (points per 100 possessions) in the NBA during their 13 games played following the intermission.
But right ahead of them on the list at third in the NBA is none other than their Wednesday opponent, the Boston Celtics.
Meaning in order to grind out a win against former Butler coach Brad Stevens' squad, Indiana's offense will need to show up in force as well.
Projected Starters
Jeff Teague
Paul George
C.J. Miles
Thaddeus Young
Myles Turner
Isaiah Thomas
Avery Bradley
Jae Crowder
Amir Johnson
Al Horford
Pacers: PG - Jeff Teague, SG - Paul George, SF - C.J. Miles, PF - Thaddeus Young, C - Myles Turner
Celtics: PG - Isaiah Thomas, SG - Avery Bradley, SF - Jae Crowder, PF - Amir Johnson, C - Al Horford
Injury Report
Pacers: None
Celtics: None
Last Meeting
December 22, 2016: Despite an impressive fourth quarter rally, the Pacers were unable to overcome the deficit created by a powerful Celtics second quarter, falling 109-102 on a Hickory night.
Late in the game, the Pacers were able to get as close as five, but each time, Boston's All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas responded with instant offense, finishing the night with 28 points and nine assists.
"We had to play with a sense of urgency," Pacers head coach Nate McMillan said after the game. "We were down. But it's going to be tough to beat any team when you have 19 turnovers and only 20 assists. There was sloppy play, particularly in the first half."
In that first half, the Celtics used an overpowering 17-0 run to build a lead that would last for the remainder of the night.
Noteworthy
- The Celtics lead the all-time series 92-76, including a 59-25 mark when playing in Boston.
- Pacers guard Monta Ellis and Celtics wing Jae Crowder were teammates on the Dallas Mavericks from 2013-2015.
- Al Jefferson was drafted by the Celtics in 2004 and played his for Boston from 2004-2007.
- The Pacers have now alternated wins and losses in 14 consecutive games.
Tickets
After a quick trip to Boston, the Pacers return home for a Hickory Game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night at 7:00 PM ET. Find Tickets »
Broadcast Information TV & Radio Listings »
TV: FOX Sports Indiana - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: 93.5 FM/AM 1070 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Pat Boylan (studio host)
Away Game Night Special
Flag Design Tee - $12. Game Night Specials can be purchased online the day of each away game from 10:00 AM - Midnight. Order Online »