The Boston Celtics may have gotten somewhat lucky in beating the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Finals matchup. It took a 3-pointer from Jaylen Brown late in regulation to tie the game and send it to overtime. The Celtics had more in the tank in the extra session than the visitors and were able to collectively wipe their brow and issue a sigh of relief after their 133-128 victory.

When the series moves to Indianapolis for Games 3 and 4, the Celtics could be considerably stronger. Big man Kristaps Porzingis may be able to return from a calf injury as soon as Game 4, and that should provide an upgrade to their on-court performance. The presence of Porzingis will be felt in all areas, and Boston's defensive performance could get much better against Indiana's multi-faceted attack.

In addition to making the team's most important shot in the opening game of the series, Brown has been in communication with Porzingis and he has kept him apprised of all the team's activities while the big man (7-2) has been out of action.

Jaylen Brown is concerned about his teammate's state of mind

Brown spoke with Abby Chin of NBCSports Boston about his communication with Porzingis. The two live in the same building and have become close in Porzingis's first season with the Celtics. Porzingis suffered his injury in Game 4 of the Celtics' first-round series against the Miami Heat and has not played since then. However, he has been participating in shootarounds and doing other light work, including riding the exercise bicycle.

“Just talking to him, just checking in with him every day,” Brown said. “Make (it) so he still feels a part of what's going on and he can feel the energy, the enthusiasm, because we want him to come back and feel like he hasn't missed a step.”

The Celtics have recorded a 6-1 record since Porzingis suffered his injury. As a result, players like veteran Al Horford have had to play increased minutes to to make up for the lack of input and production from the injured Porzingis.

Porzingis played in 57 games for the Celtics during the regular season. He averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game and he shot 60.6 percent from the field.

He was averaging 12.3 points and 5.0 rebounds during the four playoff games he participated in prior to his injury.

High expectations for Celtics

The Celtics made it to the NBA Finals in 2022 but they were unsuccessful in that series against the Golden State Warriors. One year later, the Celtics fell in seven games to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The combination of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum allowed the Celtics to gain the top seed in NBA playoffs this season. Boston has the home-court advantage against the Pacers, and if the Celtics are successful, they will also have the home court edge in the championship round against the Dallas Mavericks or Minnesota Timberwolves.