Celtics late-game mettle could be tested again vs. Pacers

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BOSTON – As the Boston Celtics got deeper into the season, there has been noticeable growth in terms of their late-game execution. 

That’ll be vital to their chances at winning tonight against Indiana. 

These two have met three times already this season, with all three games decided in the closing moments.

The margin of victory in all three games was by four points or less. 

But these teams are well versed on playing down-to-the-wire games. 

Indiana comes in having played in a league-high 22 games decided by four points or less. In those games, the Pacers are 8-14.

The Celtics are literally right behind them having played in the second-most games decided by four points or less (19), along with Washington.

Throw in the fact that both teams are in a tightly contested battle for the eighth and final playoff spot, and fans watching on Comcast SportsNet or at the TD Garden should make no plans on leaving early. 

Here are a few more notes and nuggets courtesy of the Elias Sports Bureau, heading into tonight’s game:

  • Indiana’s bench is averaging a league-high 41 points per game this season, with the Celtics (40.4) ranked 3rd.
  • Indiana’s George Hill will be a priority for the Celtics tonight. He averaged 19.4 points in March, his highest scoring average in a calendar month ever. His previous best month was March 2010 when he averaged 16.5 points per game. 
  • There will be no Hack-a-Hibbert tonight – or any night for that matter. He has made his last 28 free throws for the third-longest current streak behind Stephen Curry (49) and J.J. Redick (41). 
  • Boston shot 50.6 percent from the field in their win at Charlotte on Monday, which improved the Celtics record to 10-5 when they shoot 50 percent or better from the field.
  • After scoring 30 points against the Hornets, Avery Bradley has now scored 27 or more points six times this season. However, all six games were played away from the TD Garden.
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