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Celtics, Pacers Face Season Without Stars Amid High Stakes

UPDATE: The Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers are gearing up for the 2025-26 NBA season without their star players, creating a high-stakes environment for both teams. As the season approaches, both franchises are embracing a new reality after significant injuries to key players.

Last week, three new banners were unveiled at the Pacers’ training facility in Indianapolis, including one for the 2024-25 Eastern Conference Championship. The banner went up quietly as the team began training camp, marking a shift in focus. “We’re turning the page,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle stated, emphasizing the need to look forward as they prepare for their season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 23.

The Pacers, fresh off an incredible playoff run, are facing the harsh reality of a season without Tyrese Haliburton, who is officially ruled out for the season due to a torn Achilles. Meanwhile, the Celtics are also grappling with the loss of Jayson Tatum, who suffered a similar injury during the playoffs. Both teams, once dominant forces in the Eastern Conference, are now entering a season with lower expectations.

“I think it’s exciting,” said Celtics guard Derrick White. “We’re not the hunted anymore.” The sentiment is echoed by Carlisle, who is determined to maximize the potential of his young roster, emphasizing player development over a rebuilding phase.

Despite the setbacks, both teams are not planning to tank for better draft picks. “That’s not going to be part of the lexicon in our building,” said Celtics president Brad Stevens. The Celtics currently sit seventh in betting odds to win the East, while the Pacers are ninth, according to ESPN BET.

In an unexpected twist, Joe Mazzulla, the youngest coach in the NBA, is adjusting his coaching style as he leads a roster with fewer All-Stars. Mazzulla aims to maximize his players’ strengths rather than stick to one rigid philosophy. He is keen to adapt to the evolving dynamics of his team.

As both teams navigate this challenging season, the absence of their stars presents an opportunity for younger players to step up. White aims to maintain his role without the pressure of becoming a primary scorer, stating, “If I focus on, ‘I need to score 25 points,’ I know I won’t play well.”

The Pacers are also gearing up to maintain their relentless playstyle. Carlisle confirmed that new starters like Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard will carry forward the team’s principles of pushing the pace and exploiting defensive vulnerabilities.

The emotional backdrop of the season centers around Haliburton and Tatum, both of whom are focusing on their recovery. Haliburton has been a consistent presence at practices, uplifting the team spirit. “He’s tackled this rehab thing like a beast,” Carlisle remarked, highlighting Haliburton’s positive energy.

Conversely, Tatum is cautiously optimistic about his recovery but emphasizes there’s “no pressure to return” until he is fully healthy. “The most important thing is that I’m 100 percent recovered,” he stated during media day.

As the NBA season looms, the Celtics and Pacers are poised to redefine their identities amidst adversity. Fans are eager to see how these teams will adapt and emerge in a competitive Eastern Conference landscape. With the season set to begin soon, all eyes will be on Boston and Indiana to witness how they navigate this pivotal chapter in their histories.

Both teams are ready to prove the doubters wrong and turn this season into one of unexpected triumph. “We surprise them every single year,” said Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith, underscoring the teams’ determination to defy expectations.

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