The Indiana Pacers are facing elimination in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals at home against the Boston Celtics on Monday, and with the NBA making plans for a celebration in the event that the Celtics win Game 4, Rick Carlisle wants his Pacers team to use that as motivation to force a Game 5.

“There's plenty of reasons to be motivated for this game tomorrow,” Rick Carlisle said, via Alex Golden. “When you're the head coach of an NBA team you tend to get information on things. So one thing I just heard in the last few minutes is that the league is making logistical plans for a trophy presentation on our floor tomorrow. That's something that I think should make our players' blood boil and our fans' blood boil. And it's just another layer of motivation to extend the series.”

One of the biggest questions for the Pacers ahead of Game 4 is if they will have their star in Tyrese Haliburton. It would seem essential for them to have him on the floor if they want to extend their season. He was out for Game 3 with a hamstring injury. Although Indiana had a chance to win Game 3, Tyrese Haliburton's presence would still do a lot for Carlisle's team.

Pacers trying to correct wrongs from Games 1 and 2

Despite being down 3-0 in the series, the Pacers have had golden opportunities to win multiple games in this series against the Celtics. In Game 1, Indiana had a late lead, and a Jaylen Brown three-point shot from the corner tied the game to force overtime, where the Celtics won by the score of 133-128. In Game 2, the Celtics won comfortably 126-110.

That is when Haliburton suffered the hamstring injury, which caused him to be out for Game 3. As mentioned before, the Pacers had an opportunity to win Game 3 despite that, even holding a lead in the late stages. They were unable to come out with a win, as Boston squeaked out a 114-11 win over Indiana.

It has not been for lack of opportunities for the Paceers, as they have had multiple chances to come away with wins in this series. Facing a 3-0 deficit is a huge hole, especially against this Celtics team. However, Games 1 and 3 indicate that Indiana might be able to come out with a win at home. Coming in with the same energy as Games 1 and 3 could give the Pacers an opportunity to close out a game again, and from there, hopefully the third time is the charm.

Based on Carlisle's comments, it would be a surprise if the Pacers didn't come out motivated and with energy in Game 4, especially if Haliburton is ready to play. At the very least, they would like to prevent the Celtics from celebrating on their home floor.