Looking for a change of energy, Mazzulla pulled four of his second-half starters after the Celtics fell behind 69-49.

BOSTON — Jaylen Brown will return from a one-game absence when the Celtics face the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. Brown, who missed Friday’s win against the Toronto Raptors with a non-COVID illness, has been on a tear as of late, averaging 32.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in his last 10 games.

Joe Mazzulla is cementing himself as one of the best young coaches in NBA history after reaching this feat with the Celtics.

The Celtics enter their matchup with the Pacers facing short-term injury uncertainty, with multiple starters listed as questionable.

The Celtics are among the slowest teams in the NBA, ranking ahead of only the Houston Rockets in most pace metrics. They play to an average of just 227.0 ppg, while holding opponents to 110.5 ppg on 44.7% shooting. Boston has held each of its last 11 opponents to below 120 points.

The Boston Celtics won a close game vs. the Miami Heat 129-116 at TD Garden on Friday (Dec. 19) night that took them until the game's final frame (fitting, with fan-favorite guard alum Isaiah Thomas in the audience) for Boston to break out and seize control of the game.

The Boston Celtics showcased their prowess in a decisive matchup against the Toronto Raptors, securing a commanding 112-96 victory. This game not only highlighted the Celtics' offensive capabilities but also underscored the Raptors' ongoing struggles.

Payton Pritchard scored 19 of 33 points in the third quarter, Derrick White and Anfernee Simons each had 15 and the short-handed Boston Celtics beat the slumping Toronto Raptors 112-96.

Guard Anfernee Simons hasn't had the easiest transition to the Celtics, and Joe Mazzulla recognized that while praising his effort against the Pacers.

Derrick White scored a season-high 33 points and tied a career-high with nine 3-pointers to help the Boston Celtics pull away in the second half for a 129-116 win over the Miami Heat on Friday night.