Boston, MA (My Sportsbook) - A pair of struggling teams take the hardwood this evening when the Boston Celtics host the Indiana Pacers at the FleetCenter.

Indiana has lost five straight to slip into a tie with Detroit for first place in the Central Division. The Pacers currently reside in third overall in the Eastern Conference.

Indiana's woes continued on Tuesday, as it dropped an 83-78 decision to the Washington Wizards at home. Reggie Miller led the way with 25 points, including 4-of-7 from three-point range, but it wasn't enough. Jermaine O'Neal registered 16 points and 15 rebounds, while Brad Miller chipped in 10 points and 11 boards.

"We're just not making the plays we normally make," O'Neal said. "We're not getting the stops we normally make. It's not one side of the court. It's both sides."

The Pacers struggled from the field in the loss, hitting just 37.7 percent of their attempts. Ron Artest was only 3-of-17 from the field for eight points in the defeat. Artest won't be with the team tonight, as head coach Isiah Thomas has told him to stay home due to unknown disciplinary reasons.

Boston enters this game after losing three of its last four contests. The Celtics played a solid game on Monday, but they came up short in overtime, 101-95, against Houston.

Antoine Walker paced the Celtics with 22 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists in the losing effort. Paul Pierce chipped in 22 points and Tony Battie tacked on 20 points in the defeat.

The Celtics actually held a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter, but blew it and allowed Houston back into the contest.

"No way, being at home, we should blow that type of lead," said Pierce. "We had the lead in the fourth quarter and let it get away."

Eric Williams rounded out the Celtics' double-figure scorers with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Boston shot just 37 percent from the field and 28 percent from three-point range.

These teams have split two meetings this season, with the Pacers winning a 109-100 decision in Indiana on February 1. Boston has won four of the last seven meetings in the series overall. The Celtics have won the last three meetings at the FleetCenter.