There's no keeping up as Celtics set the pace

"Well, you know, if you win two in a row you're automatically in first in our division," said Rivers. "It's in the agreement. Hell, you can lose two in a row and you might go to first in our division right now."

All Boston needed was a win over an Indiana team shadowed by distractions and adversity this season. While the Celtics are in the midst of their first and only stretch of four games in five nights, that does not compare to the Pacers' week.

Ron Artest returned to practice Monday, though he remains suspended for the rest of the season for his part in the Nov. 19 brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills (Mich.). On Tuesday, Artest, Jermaine O'Neal, Stephen Jackson, Anthony Johnson, and David Harrison appeared in Michigan District Court on misdemeanor assault charges stemming from the brawl. Last night, Jackson returned to action after a 30-game suspension. Oh, and starting point guard Jamaal Tinsley missed the game with a severe sinus infection, while backup Anthony Johnson played 28 minutes with a mild case of pneumonia.

But it was Rivers who exclaimed at the start of his postgame press conference, "I didn't think we were going to have any guys left!"

The Celtics persevered through foul trouble and injury that depleted their front court. With 3:11 remaining in the first quarter, rookie Al Jefferson suffered a high right ankle sprain that looks as though it could keep him sidelined for a month or more. Mark Blount picked up two personals in less than two minutes and fouled out with 3:49 left in the fourth. Kendrick Perkins and Raef LaFrentz finished with five fouls apiece, though not before making substantial contributions.