The Celtics vs Pacers matchup is one of the most compelling regular-season rivalries in the NBA, blending historic competitiveness with exciting recent games. Every time the Celtics-Pacers battle hits the hardwood, fans get a showcase of star talent, strategic basketball, and a preview of what both teams might bring to the postseason.
Historic Head-to-Head: Celtics vs Pacers
Historically, the Celtics vs Pacers rivalry has leaned in favor of Boston. In all-time regular-season meetings, the Celtics lead the series with a strong record, showcasing consistent success over Indiana across decades of competition.
The Celtics’ edge isn’t just limited to the regular season — Boston has also enjoyed more playoff victories against the Pacers, demonstrating a long-term ability to elevate its performance in high-stakes games.
Recent Celtics-Pacers Games (2025 Season)
In the 2025-26 NBA season, the Celtics vs Pacers matchups have highlighted Boston’s dominance:
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On December 22, 2025, the Celtics earned a 103-95 win over Indiana, powered by Jaylen Brown’s 31 points and nine rebounds, showcasing Boston’s offensive depth.
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Just days later, on December 26, 2025, the Celtics vs Pacers clash ended with a 140-122 victory for Boston. Payton Pritchard delivered 29 points and five assists, while Brown continued his strong play with 30 points.
These back-to-back wins highlight the Celtics’ momentum and offensive firepower in the current season.
Key Players Shaping the Rivalry
In any Celtics-Pacers duel, star players often determine the outcome:
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For the Celtics, Jaylen Brown has consistently led the charge, providing scoring, leadership, and energy. Supporting contributors like Payton Pritchard and Derrick White add depth that keeps Boston competitive in every quarter.
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For the Pacers, young talents like Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard work to spark Indiana’s offense, but injuries have limited consistency and impact this season.
Why Celtics Have the Edge in 2025
Several factors explain the Celtics’ strong position in the Celtics vs Pacers matchup this year:
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Stronger overall record and consistent scoring outputs give Boston an advantage on both ends of the floor.
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Deeper roster and healthier starters (when available) contribute to Boston’s ability to control tempo and spacing.
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Defensive adaptability, allowing the Celtics to adjust to different styles of play from the Pacers.
Pacers’ Challenges and Opportunities
Although Indiana trails in the series, the Pacers are not without hope. Their young core continues developing, and flashes of offensive brilliance show what the franchise can build toward in future Celtics-Pacers matchups.
Fan Takeaway: What to Expect Next
The Celtics vs Pacers rivalries remain compelling because of the contrasting team identities — Boston’s championship pedigree versus Indiana’s up-and-coming roster. Fans should expect fast-paced games, strategic coaching battles, and standout individual performances when these teams meet again.
