Boston Celtics (18-11, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. Indiana Pacers (6-24, 14th in the Eastern Conference)

Indianapolis; Friday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Indiana aims to end its three-game home slide with a win against Boston.

The Pacers have gone 4-14 against Eastern Conference teams. Indiana is 5-12 when it turns the ball over less than its opponents and averages 13.1 turnovers per game.

The Celtics are 14-8 in conference games. Boston ranks sixth in the NBA with 12.6 offensive rebounds per game led by Neemias Queta averaging 3.1.

The Pacers are shooting 42.9% from the field this season, 1.6 percentage points lower than the 44.5% the Celtics allow to opponents. The Celtics average 15.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 4.1 more made shots on average than the 11.5 per game the Pacers allow.

The teams play for the second time this season. The Celtics won the last meeting 103-95 on Dec. 23. Jaylen Brown scored 31 points to help lead the Celtics to the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Pascal Siakam is averaging 23.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists for the Pacers. T.J. McConnell is averaging 16.0 points over the last 10 games.

Payton Pritchard is shooting 43.9% and averaging 16.8 points for the Celtics. Derrick White is averaging 3.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Pacers: 2-8, averaging 108.0 points, 40.7 rebounds, 22.7 assists, 7.2 steals and 5.4 blocks per game while shooting 44.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.9 points per game.

Celtics: 8-2, averaging 118.3 points, 43.5 rebounds, 22.7 assists, 8.1 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 49.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.6 points.

INJURIES: Pacers: Obi Toppin: out (foot), Ben Sheppard: day to day (calf), Isaiah Jackson: day to day (head), Aaron Nesmith: out (knee), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles).

Celtics: Jayson Tatum: out (achilles), Jordan Walsh: day to day (illness).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

MERIDEN, Conn. (WFSB) – Governor Ned Lamont activated Connecticut’s severe cold weather protocols as arctic air moves into the state during the holiday period.

The protocols were set to go into effect Christmas Day at 5 p.m. and remain active until Sunday, Dec. 28. Warming shelters were expected to be open statewide during this period. Residents were told to call 211 to find a shelter near them.

Click HERE for the latest forecast from Channel 3’s meteorologists.

Families brave cold for holiday traditions

Despite the frigid temperatures, families continued holiday traditions at locations like Hubbard Park in Meriden, where visitors bundled up to see the Festival of Silver Lights.

“It’s a yearly thing we do every single year. We’re from the town and we’re local. It’s nice to be out here and see the lights,” said Erwin Ndwiga of Meriden.

His family member Melissa Ndwiga shared her cold weather strategy: “If I’m going to wear a short sleeve shirt, I always wear thermal wear under. A jacket. I usually have three to four layers on. Hat, earmuffs, gloves.”

Safety recommendations during cold snap

State officials recommend several precautions during the freezing stretch:

• Check heating devices to ensure they work properly.
• Limit pets’ time outdoors.
• Check on elderly neighbors and family members, who are most vulnerable during extreme cold.
• Do not use a stove or oven to heat your home due to potential gas, carbon monoxide, and fire hazards.
• Check your vehicle before traveling: tires, lights, brakes, and windshield wipers.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full and carry an emergency kit.

Residents can find a nearby warming shelter by calling 211 or clicking HERE.

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