NBA talent in the Celtics. Pacers forward Obi Toppin (left ankle sprain) and guard Andrew Nembhard (left knee injury management) have both been ruled out. Forward Aaron Nesmith is still out with a left ankle sprain.

Why the Celtics can cover. The Celtics fell to the Philadelphia 76ers 118-114 on Christmas Day despite a quality game from Jayson Tatum, who dropped a double-double on 32 points a

The Indiana Pacers won five straight games and six of their last seven prior to playing the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. It looked like they were going to improve their winning streak to six early in that game after taking an early 15-point lead in the first quarter.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 45 points to lead the Thunder while Tyrese Haliburton had just four points on six field goal attempts on Thursday.

Boston hasn’t lost three in a row since March of 2023 — it didn’t happen all of last season — and will look to keep it that way with Indiana in town for a pair of games on Friday and Sunday.

Prediction for the NBA match which will take place on December 28. Who will turn out to be stronger? Check the team conditions! Several betting options are available.

The Celtics were missing two-fifths of their starting lineup Friday as they looked to snap their first losing streak of the season. Boston ruled out center Kristaps Porzingis (left ankle sprain) and guard Jrue Holiday (right shoulder impingement) for its matchup with the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden.