How the Boston Celtics Stack Up Against the Indiana Pacers: NBA Playoffs 2024 Preview

Only two teams managed to beat the Indiana Pacers 3 times last season: the Chicago Bulls, a weaker squad, and the champion Boston Celtics. While the best teams struggled to consistently defeat Indiana, Boston proved to be an exception during the NBA Playoffs 2024.

Also read: Boston Celtics Bill Russell Finals MVP Winners: Including John Havlicek

When the Pacers and Celtics faced off in the postseason, Boston swept the series. Despite Indiana’s 2 victories over Boston during the regular season, the Celtics consistently had the upper hand. Their dominance was a key factor in their championship win.

After acquiring Jeru Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis last summer, the Boston Celtics well-positioned to dominate the NBA for the next few seasons. Since then, they’ve secured their core by extending Jaylen Brown’s, Jayson Tatum’s, and Holiday’s contracts.

More read: Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics: Match Player Stats and Box Scores for 2024

While also managing to keep their supporting players on reasonable deals. As long as their financial strategy holds up, the Celtics set for sustained success in the NBA Playoffs 2024.

Their 2024 offseason was thus quite straightforward. Coming off a championship and with their core players locked in, Boston focused on retaining their key assets and minimizing losses. The process was relatively smooth.

Read essentially: Boston Celtics vs Pacers Match Player Stats & Box Scores – 2024

As of now, the only notable departures are former Pacers forward Oshae Brissett and guard Svi Mykhailiuk. Neither were regulars in Boston’s rotation last season or during the playoffs, making their replacements relatively inconsequential.

Instead of keeping Oshae Brissett and Svi Mykhailiuk, the Celtics have added Baylor Scheierman, acquired through a first-round draft pick, and Lonnie Walker, signed via free agency. While Walker’s future with the team remains uncertain, these additions effectively fill the forward and guard spots left by the departures.

Also read: Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics match Player Stats and Box Scores

Overall, Boston’s rotation remains unchanged. Holiday, Tatum, Brown, Derrick White, Porzingis, Xavier Tillman, Sam Hauser, Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta, and Al Horford are all returning. This rotation, both on paper and on the court, is among the best in the NBA.

Given the strength of their roster and their commitment to retaining key players, Boston’s offseason was relatively straightforward. With an outstanding team in place, they should be regraded as the top contenders for the upcoming season’s championship.

Also read: Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton Game-by-Game Performance & Stats at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Following their recent offseason, the Boston Celtics should be considered strong contenders for the next few seasons. Over the past four months, Holiday and Tatum have both signed extensions, and the front office has secured longer deals for Hauser and White. With their championship core locked in for the foreseeable future, Boston is well-positioned for sustained success.

Read more: Pacers vs. Knicks: match player Stats & Box Scores

The Celtics will be a formidable challenge for any team, including the Pacers. Although Indiana’s up-tempo style caused some issues for Boston. Moreover, their playoff series was more competitive than the 4-0 sweep suggests, and the Celtics are poised to continue their growth. The Pacers will need to make significant improvements to keep pace.

Also read: Milwaukee Bucks vs Pacers: Game 2 Match Player Stats & Box Scores

Boston’s offseason strategy was straightforward: if they were willing to invest in their players, they should do so. President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens followed through on that approach, keeping the roster intact. As a result, the Celtics will be a tough opponent for the Pacers in the coming seasons.