4 Teams that should especially want to avoid Celtics in first round of playoffs
By Will Eudy
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have been one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NBA this season, especially if you are a fan of fast-paced, explosive offenses. Indiana has been leading the association in putting up 123.1 points per game in 2023-24, along with a league-leading 30.5 assists per night as well.
Behind the star power of Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers have been putting up astonishing numbers on a nightly basis. Against teams with lackluster defensive power, they are a sure bet to light up the scoreboard. With it being the first year Indiana will be making a playoff run with Haliburton leading the way, they will of course want to make the deepest run possible.
Winning at least a playoff round or two would do a lot to cement the Pacers as a team that is here to stay as a perennial playoff team in the Eastern Conference. But that dream will be as good as dead if they draw the Celtics in the first round.
Boston's defense is formidable and would be able to at least slow down Indiana's high-powered attack. On the flip side, the Pacers would have absolutely no answer for the Celtics' scoring prowess and the series would almost certainly be over quickly.