In the United States, on January 12, 2026, the Boston Celtics faced a narrow defeat against the Indiana Pacers, losing by a close score of 98-96. This game marked the second consecutive loss for the Celtics, with the team currently holding third place in the Eastern Conference standings. Coach Joe Mazzulla expressed his dissatisfaction with the officiating during a postgame press conference, where he provided a two-word response of 'Illegal screen' to multiple questions regarding the game's final plays. This comment referred to a controversial play involving Pacers forward Pascal Siakam and Celtics guard Derrick White, which Mazzulla suggested impacted the game's outcome. The Celtics had an opportunity to tie the game, but Derrick White missed a three-point shot as time expired, solidifying their defeat. Mazzulla's veiled critique of the game's referees is particularly noteworthy, considering the NBA's policy that fines coaches for publicly criticizing officials. His approach may have been an attempt to avoid potential penalties while still articulating his frustrations. With star player Jayson Tatum sidelined due to a previous Achilles injury, the Celtics are also navigating a roster with some key player changes this season. Despite the recent losses, the team maintains a strong record and playoff potential, demonstrating resilience and the ability to adapt to challenges. The NBA's competitive landscape remains taut, with close standings among the teams vying for playoff positions as the regular season progresses toward its midpoint.