Game Preview: Pacers vs Celtics

Last Updated: March 14 at 12:15 PM

The Pacers (30-34) continue their homestand on Saturday night, when they host Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics (28-36). The two teams have split a pair of meetings so far this season, with each team winning on their home floor.

During their seven-game winning streak, the Pacers have swiftly climbed up the Eastern Conference standings. Indiana now sits in seventh place and after Thursday's win over Milwaukee, the sixth-place Bucks are within reach.

RELATED: Playoff Picture (Latest Standings and More) »

Besides the Pacers, the Celtics are the hottest team in the race for the final few playoff spots. Boston has won three straight and eight of its last 11 games, including an impressive win over Memphis on Wednesday night. After the Pacers' win on Thursday, a candid Luis Scola described Boston as Indiana's "biggest rival" for playoff seeding. The Celtics defeated Orlando on Friday before traveling to Indiana.

For the Pacers, one question heading into Saturday is the health of starting center Roy Hibbert. Hibbert missed Thursday's game with a sore left elbow. He did, however, participate in Friday's practice and is listed as probable for Saturday's contest.

If Hibbert can't go, expect Ian Mahinmi to start at center, but we'll also likely see Luis Scola and David West share the floor in some small-ball lineups. Scola has recorded a double-double off the bench in two straight games.

The Celtics will also be shorthanded. Dynamic point guard Isaiah Thomas is expected to miss roughly a week with bruised lower back. Boston traded for the 5-foot-9 guard at the trade deadline and he has been sensational in his short time in kelly green, averaging 21.4 points and 5.4 assists over his first 10 games in Boston.

George Hill

C.J. Miles

Solomon Hill

David West

Roy Hibbert

Marcus Smart

Avery Bradley

Evan Turner

Brandon Bass

Tyler Zeller

Pacers: PG - George Hill, SG - C.J. Miles, SF - Solomon Hill, PF - David West, C - Roy Hibbert
Celtics: PG - Marcus Smart, SG - Avery Bradley, SF - Evan Turner, PF - Brandon Bass, C - Tyler Zeller

Pacers: Paul George - out (rehabilitation for broken right leg), Donald Sloan - out (sprained right great toe), Roy Hibbert - probable (sore left elbow)

Celtics: Jared Sullinger - out (left metatarsal stress fracture), Isaiah Thomas - out (bruised lower back)

At Butler from 2007-13, Brad Stevens won more games (166) in his first six years as a head coach than any coach in NCAA history.

January 9, 2015: The Pacers grinded out a 107-103 overtime win over the Celtics 36 hours after returning from the West Coast.

Roy Hibbert led Indiana with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks. C.J. Miles scored 17 points and four other Pacers players scored in double figures in the victory.

Celtics guard Avery Bradley led all scorers with 23 points on 10-of-21 shooting. Evan Turner had nine points on just 3-of-15 shooting, but he did tally 15 rebounds and seven assists.

TV: NBA TV/FOX Sports Indiana - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: 107.5/1070 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Slick Leonard (analyst), Pat Boylan (sideline reporter/host)

Good seats still remain for Saturday's game against the Celtics. Reserve your seats now: Find Tickets »

Starting the week of Feb. 2, concession stands located outside of Sections 5 and 14 on the Main Concourse and Sections 215 and 231 on the Balcony Level will be temporarily closed. Fans sitting in these sections are asked to please visit other nearby concession stands. More Info »

Full Size Pacers Basketballs - $10. Game Night Specials can be purchased in the Home Court Gift Shop or any of our souvenir stands located on all levels of Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Please shop online also at PacersGear.com.