After knocking the Knicks out of the semifinals in Sunday’s historic Game 7 feat – shooting 67.1 percent from the field, the highest ever in an NBA playoff game – they’re ready for another battle.

“They’re a team that’s set the pace for the entire league this year, and we have an idea of what we’re getting into up there with their crowd and the level of talent they have,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle told reporters about going head-to-head against the Celtics. 

Indiana and Boston met five times over the 2024 regular season, with Boston holding a 3-2 advantage. Their most recent run-in on Jan. 30, however, was a close matchup and an indication that both teams could face a dogfight down the stretch. 

While Boston closed out the latest game, 129-124, over Indiana, the Celtics relied heavily on the return of big man Kristaps Porzingis. After returning from an ankle sprain that required him to miss two games in the beginning of the year, it was 7-foot-2 center who attacked from inside and helped create space on offense. 

Now, after sitting out the entire second round of the playoffs due to a calf strain, the Celtics again find themselves in a familiar situation without Porzingis. According to coach Joe Mazzulla, the first-year Celtic is in a “great place” and is looking to make a return at some point in the series. 

But as Boston faces uncertainty with its starting lineup, Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is eager to continue his momentum against the top team in the league. 

“We’re not done yet. We still got another series, maybe two to go, but it starts with Boston and I think we’re all excited for that challenge,” Haliburton said following Sunday’s Game 7 win. 

Carlisle echoed his player’s sentiment, adding that his battle-tested team is ready to show its grit in the third round.

“This is a challenge that we’ve earned, and we’re looking forward to it,” Carlisle said. 

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Celtics and Pacers tips off Tuesday at TD Garden at 8 p.m.