A Look Back At The History Of The Celtics Pacers Rivalry

The Celtics and the Pacers: A Rivalry Renewed

A Look Back at the History of the Celtics-Pacers Rivalry

The Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers are two of the most storied franchises in NBA history, and their rivalry is one of the most heated in the league. The two teams have met in the playoffs 19 times, with the Celtics holding a 12-7 advantage. The Celtics have also won 17 of the 30 regular season meetings between the two teams.

The Early Years

The Celtics-Pacers rivalry began in the 1970s, when both teams were among the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics won the NBA championship in 1974 and 1976, while the Pacers won the ABA championship in 1973 and 1975. The two teams met in the playoffs in 1974, 1975, and 1976, with the Celtics winning all three series.

The 1980s and 1990s

The rivalry continued in the 1980s and 1990s, as both teams remained among the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics won the NBA championship in 1981, 1984, and 1986, while the Pacers won the Eastern Conference championship in 1994 and 1995. The two teams met in the playoffs in 1985, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, and 1998, with the Celtics winning six of the eight series.

The 2000s and 2010s

The rivalry continued in the 2000s and 2010s, as both teams remained among the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics won the NBA championship in 2008, while the Pacers won the Eastern Conference championship in 2013. The two teams met in the playoffs in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2012, 2013, and 2014, with the Celtics winning four of the seven series.

The Future of the Rivalry

The Celtics-Pacers rivalry is still going strong today, and it is one of the most exciting rivalries in the NBA. Both teams are expected to be competitive in the Eastern Conference this season, and a playoff matchup between the two teams would be sure to be a classic.