Injuries, previews, TV info, lineups

“We had something in our hands that we lost,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “This is disappointing. We’ve done a lot of good, and we need to continue to clean up the things we need to clean up.”

On offense, Tyrese Haliburton's pick-and-roll strategies and Pascal Siakam's low-post spin cycles overall didn't match last year's scoring prowess, but their connection still remains a dangerous inside-out threat.

At the other end of the court, the Pacers — who had the seventh-worst defensive rating last year — haven't figured it out in their 1-3 start, with glaring perimeter and rebounding issues that haven't been addressed.

On the Celtics side, their title defense (although they struggled with the absence of Kristaps Porzingis) was nearly perfect. Payton Pritchard took on the Bucks at TD Garden on Monday and capped a memorable night with 28 points in 28 minutes – including eight 3-pointers – in a 119-108 win.

“Payton is a murderer,” Jaylen Brown said. “He always tries to put pressure on the defense. If you don’t pressure him and protect him, he will delight you.”

As the Celtics land in Indianapolis to begin a four-game road trip, they'll be hoping Pritchard's sharp shot and energy remain intact.

Sam Houser was expected to play on Wednesday after being sidelined with lower back pain.

Here is your preview.

When: Wednesday, 7 p.m

Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

TV, radio: ESPN, NBCSB, WBZ-FM 98.5

Line: Boston -6.5. O/U: 232.0.

Celts

Season balance: 4:0. vs. distribution: 3-1. Over/Under: 2-2

Last 10 games: 9-1. vs. distribution: 6-3, 1 push. Over/Under: 2-8

Pacemaker

Season balance: 1-3. vs. distribution: 2-2. Over/Under: 2-2

Last 10 games: 3-7. vs. distribution: 7-3. Over/Under: 7-3

Statistics of the day: In their last two games, the Pacers missed 11 and 10 free throws, respectively, ultimately losing both games by 4 points each.

Notes: Payton Pritchard's electrifying performance Monday night against Milwaukee meant he scored in double figures for the third straight year, and after the win he was tied for the NBA lead with 19 made 3-pointers. “The guy is just good,” said Joe Mazzulla. “He kept us going in the first half and he's just finding new ways to influence games.” … Jaylen Brown scored a team-high 30 points, 21 of them, against the Bucks with his key dribbling and spontaneous jump shots down the court in the second half. … Despite Monday's loss to the Magic, Tyrese Haliburton said the game was a step in the right direction. “We will move forward from here,” he said. “We understand that our tempo wasn't as high as last season, but we're just trying to make the game quicker and play more randomly. I thought we did a good job of that.”

Aiden Sprole can be reached at [email protected].