Celtics resume road trip in Indiana

Indiana, seeded fifth in the Eastern Conference playoff race, is 2-1 on the homestand after posting a 98-93 win over the Sacramento Kings on Friday. The Pacers also spoiled the return of forward Ron Artest, who was traded from Indiana to the Kings in January.

Danny Granger scored 23 points and Jamaal Tinsley had 20 points off the bench for the Pacers, who have just two wins in their last six games. Peja Stojakovic, who was acquired in the Artest deal, recorded 20 points and 12 rebounds in his first game against his former team.

The Pacers are 8-4 in their last 12 home games and 20-11 as the host this season.

Boston, meanwhile, will continue a four-game road trip against the Pacers.

The Celtics have lost three straight and four of their last five games, including Friday’s 84-77 setback to the lowly Orlando Magic.

Paul Pierce scored 19 points for the Celtics, but was just 5-of-18 from the floor. Wally Szczerbiak scored 16 points, and Raef LaFrentz added nine points and nine boards for Boston.

The Celtics are 0-3 on the trip after suffering a 107-104 loss to the Miami Heat on Thursday night and opening the trip with a loss at Memphis.

Boston is 1-4 in its last five road games and a paltry 8-25 as the guest this season.

In the season series between Boston and Indiana, the Celtics lead 2-0 after notching wins on December 14 and March 3. After Saturday’s bout, the Celtics and Pacers will meet again on April 12.

The Celtics have won three straight versus Indiana, but have lost two in a row and four of their last five trips to Conseco Fieldhouse.