Game 59 Preview: Pacers at Celtics

Via AP Photos

Paul George and the Pacers will sure give the Celtics all they can handle.

The Celtics (20-39) snapped their five-game losing streak Wednesday night and will look to start a winning streak tonight against the Indiana Pacers (44-13).

This is the third meeting this season between these two teams. Indiana has won the first two by an average of 21 points.

Indiana has won three in a row, with their most recent victory coming Thursday night over the NBA's worst team, the Milwaukee Bucks.

Indiana owns the best record in the NBA and the best defense. They're holding opponents to a league-low 91.1 points and 41.4% from the field.

They will be without starting point guard George Hill, as he is nursing a bruised left shoulder.

The Celtics hope to get Jared Sullinger back from a concussion. Kelly Olynyk (toe) is likely to play as well. Avery Bradley remains out with an ankle injury.

Projected lineups:

Pacers:
C.J. Watson
Lance Stephenson
Paul George
David West
Roy Hibbert

Celtics:
Rajon Rondo
Jerryd Bayless
Jeff Green
Brandon Bass
Jared Sullinger

Keys to the game:

1. Get out and run: Indiana is usually very good at defending the fast break. However, they've hit a bit of a rough patch. They're allowing 15.1 fast break points per game over their last three games. With Indiana big down low, the Celtics need to capitalize on every opportunity in transition.

2. Big game from Rondo: If the C's want to win tonight, Rajon Rondo needs to play well. I mean, really well. With George Hill out, it's imperative for Rondo to take advantage of C.J. Watson and the Pacer backcourt.