Are the Pacers eliminated if they lose Game 4 against the Celtics today?

The Indiana Pacers will have to make history against the Boston Celtics if they are to win the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time and keep their hopes of a maiden NBA Championship alive.

The Pacers’ task clear in Game 4 against the Celtics

Rick Carlisle’s team go into Game 4 trailing 0-3 in the series, despite a couple of close encounters to date. Although Joe Mazzulla’s team comfortably won Game 2, the other two Conference Finals match-ups have been fairly evenly contested, with Game 1 settled in overtime and the Celtics coming from behind in the final quarter to emerge victorious in Game 3.

That said, the Pacers are on the brink of elimination and must triumph at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Monday to take the series to a fifth game.

Even if they do, though, there is nothing in the history books to suggest they will be facing either the Dallas Mavericks or the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Finals.

To date, there has never been a successful comeback from a 3–0 series deficit in the NBA. Of the 154 times a team has fallen 3–0 behind, only four of them (3%) have forced a game seven, which they ultimately lost.

Celtics - Pacers injury report for Game 4

The Pacers’ task could be made all the harder by the potential absence of star man Tyrese Haliburton, who is listed as questionable for Game 4 because of a hamstring strain.

The Celtics also have their own fitness issues to contend with, with Jrue Holiday and Luke Kornet not certain to be involved, while the game also comes too soon for Kristaps Porzingis’ return.

Celtics - Pacers Eastern Conference Finals schedule

Game 4 will be held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with tip-off at 8:00 p.m. ET on Monday 27 Monday. As mentioned, another win for Boston will see them sweep Indiana and progress to the NBA Finals.