Previewing the potential Celtics-Pacers first-round matchup with J. Michael

1:26 - Kyle Draper, A. Sherrod Blakely and Chris Forsberg take a look at the Celtics current position in the Eastern Conference with just 10 games left in the regular season and discuss what the loss to the 76ers showed them. 5:52 - One of the biggest concerns with this Celtics team is figuring out who can step up with a big shot other than Kyrie Irving. Which players will need to make an impact in the playoffs? 9:06 - It's been discussed that Kyrie Irving and Al Horford could sit out a few games down the stretch. Is this the right move by Brad Stevens or do the Celtics need to establish a rhythm down the stretch? 12:38 - Marcus Smart was ejected for shoving Joel Embiid in the Celtics' loss in Philly. The guys talk about how Smart needs to keep his cool especially in the postseason. 16:03 - The guys are joined by Pacers beat writer at the Indianapolis Star J. Michael to preview what is looking like a set first-round matchup between the Celtics and Pacers. Michael surprisingly thinks it will be a much closer series than people are expecting. 20:12 - Michael addresses a handful of concerns surrounding the Pacers, including their inability to finish out games and their lack of a player who can take control of a game when it matters the most. 26:01 - How do the Pacers feel about not being considered real contenders in the Eastern Conference Playoffs? Michael explains how they're used to being counted out and how it fuels them. WATCH every episode of the Celtics Talk podcast on YouTube Follow NBC Sports Boston: NBCSportsBoston.com X @NBCSceltics Facebook Instagram TikTok Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.