Apr 15, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston police commissioner Edward Davis (front left) and Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick (front right) address media after bombings near the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ivins-USA TODAY Sports

Along with the Boston Bruins, the Boston Celtics will not be playing their next game at the TD Garden after the bombing that took place at the Boston Marathon today. This game means nothing to either team as their places in the standings are already determined. After events such as these, professional sports take a back seat and everything gets put into perspective. It was best that this game not be played out of respect for the victims, but also for the safety of the fans and players as this situation is still fluid.

Living in Boston my whole life, this hits close to home. The city of Boston is known for it’s resilient sports teams and people, but for one day we’re all struck after this tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and first responders who are also dealing with the event that unfolded today.

Mar 6, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett (5) guards Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Celtics managed to muster up their fourth straight win with a victory over the Indiana Pacer 83-81. The Celtics managed to close the game out with an 11-0 run to just eke past the 2nd seeded Pacers.

This gives the Celtics a big boost of confidence going on into the season. They know that they have a shot in beating the Pacers now. If the playoffs started today, the Celtics would have to face Indiana. After tonights game, you can tell they really have a chance.

Kevin Garnett was the team’s top performer with 18 points and 10 rebounds. There was no play more important than the last one, though. Kevin Garnett delivered a pin point pass from the high post to a cutting Jeff Green for the game winning layup.

It was a beautifully designed play by Doc Rivers that won the Celtics the game. The grit and grind the Celtics showcased to win this game shows that they’re in the proper mindset for playoff basketball.

This team is playing with loads of confidence right now and no one really wants to see them in the postseason.

Jan 4, 2013; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard/forward Courtney Lee (11) drives between Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi (28) and forward/center Tyler Hansbrough (50) during the fourth quarter at TD Banknorth Garden. The Boston Celtics won 94-75. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Celtics will visit the Indiana Pacers tonight as they try to get to 13-4 without Rajon Rondo in the starting lineup. This is going to be their hardest test to date on the road against a Pacers team that is second in the Eastern Conference. They’ll need a repeat performance of what they did last night if they want to make it happen.

The Pacers are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. They’ve got some large and athletic wings that eat up every single passing lane and they’ve got Roy Hibbert protecting the paint. David West is a great single cover and help defender, and they’ve got an ultra defensive bench as well.

On top of that, the Pacers have been dominating offensively lately as well. They rank top 15 in offensive efficiency in the last 10 games. Compared to their third to last actual offensive rating they have to be satisfied with that. The Pacers boast a league leading 15.1 net rating in their last 15 games. They only allow 92.5 points per 100 possessions in that stretch but they score 107.6 points per 100 as well.

Tonight, the Celtics won’t be facing just a great defense. They’ll have to worry about the Pacers offensively as well. This is going to be a tough challenge for them, but they have the ability to overcome it.

The game tips off at 7 p.m Eastern time. Danny Granger won’t be playing in tonight’s game. He’s resting his knee this week and will be re-evaluated next week to make sure that he’s ready for the postseason.

This matchup is a very interesting one. If the standings hold current until the end of the season, this will be a playoff matchup. The Celtics currently sit in the 7th seed position, while the Pacers are currently 2nd. Looking at the way the Celtics match up tonight could have plenty of significance as the season winds down to a close.