Preview, TV, lines and notes

On By Littum

The Pacers got off to a slow start this season, but have been hot lately, winning five in a row before a narrow loss to the West-leading Thunder.

Jrue Holiday (right shoulder contusion), who missed the Christmas Day game with Philadelphia, and Kristaps Porzingis (left ankle sprain), who left Wednesday’s game early, are both listed as questionable.

Tip-off Friday is set for 19.30. Here is a preview.

UPDATE: Just after At 6:00 p.m., the Celtics announced that both Holiday and Porzingis would be out for Friday’s game.

When: Friday, 7.30 p.m

Where: TD Garden, Boston

TV, radio: NBA TV, NBCSB, WROR-FM 105.7

Line: Boston -12.5. O/O: 231.5.

PACERS

Season record: 15-16. vs. spread: 13-17, 1 push. Above/below: 18-12, 1 push

Last 10 games: 6-4. vs. spread: 6-4. Above/below: 3-6, 1 press

CELTIC

Season record: 22-8. vs. spread: 11-19. Above/below: 13-16, 1 push

Last 10 games: 6-4. vs. spread: 3-7. Above/below: 3-7

TEAM STATISTICS

Points per game: Indiana 114.7, Boston 118.9

Points allowed per game: Indiana 116.0, Boston 109.8

Field goal percentage: Indiana .489, Boston .456

Opponent field goal percentage: Indiana .474, Boston .457

3-point percentage: Indiana .376, Boston .365

Opponent 3-Point Percentage: Indiana .362, Boston .354

Today’s stats: The Celtics have lost five games at home, more games than they lost at TD Garden all of last season (37-4)

Notes: The Celtics are 3-4 in their last seven games. “We’re playing inconsistent basketball, so we’ve got to be better on both ends of the floor,” coach Joe Mazzulla said. “You have to be more consistent on both ends of the floor.” … Indiana will try to beat Boston for the second time this season. On October 30, Pascal Siakam made six 3-pointers, one of which broke a tie with 6.1 seconds left in overtime, giving the Pacers a 135–132 victory over the Celtics in Indianapolis. … Pacers could be without Obi Toppin against Boston. The forward sprained his left ankle in the first quarter against the Thunder and was helped off the court. He returned for four minutes in the second quarter but did not play in the second half.

Amin Touri can be contacted at [email protected].