The Pacers were the first team in NBA history to win an In-Season Tournament game. They were the first team ever to advance to the Knockout Rounds. Now, they're hoping to be the first team to win a Knockout Round game and advance to Las Vegas for the IST Semifinals.
Indiana (10-8) gets to host a Quarterfinal game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday thanks to a 4-0 record in Group Play. But the Blue & Gold don't have an easy draw, as they have to beat the Boston Celtics — owners of the NBA's best record at 15-4 — to move on to Vegas.
The Celtics beat the Pacers handily in the two teams' only previous meeting this season, rolling to a 155-104 victory on Nov. 1 in Boston in a game that Pacers All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton missed due to injury.
Wheat Hotchkiss
https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/preview-pacers-celtics-231204