Indiana Pacers game preview: Pacers have a chance to move into top-four of Eastern Conference in Houston
The Indiana Pacers play their first road game against a Western Conference opponent tonight when they head to Houston to take on the Rockets.
Both teams are in the bottom five in terms of defensive rating this season, so it could be a high-scoring affair. The 7-6 Pacers have won four out of their last five games and are in the playoff picture in the East while Houston is last in the West at 3-12.
The Rockets beat the Pacers 122-114 in preseason play. "We let them get into the game way too easy, way too comfortable," center Myles Turner said once the game had concluded.
Viewing and Betting Information
Tip off time: 8 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Where to watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Indiana/Bally Sports+, AT&T SportsNet Southwest
Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are slight favorites in this game as they are -4.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 236.5.
Pacers vs Rockets Injury Report
For the Pacers, Daniel Theis (right knee) and Chris Duate (left ankle) are out. Kendall Brown and Trevelin Queen may be with the Pacers or may be in the G League with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
For the Rockets, Darius Days, Bruno Fernando, Trevor Hudgins, Jae'Sean Tate, and TyTy Washington Jr are out. Kevin Porter Jr is questionable with back soreness.
Key Matchups
Buddy Hield vs Jalen Green: Green has been a standout for Houston this season as he is averaging nearly 22 points per game in just his second NBA season. He dropped 33 points in the preseason against the blue and gold.
Whoever contains him will have their hands full. Buddy Hield, Green's potential matchup at shooting guard, has been playing well for the Pacers of late and can score with ease. If either player can step up defensively, it could swing the balance of the game.
Andrew Nembhard vs Eric Gordon: Gordon had a solid outing for the Rockets against his hometown Pacers in the preseason, and he is one of Houston's best perimeter defenders.
That will make it a tough night for Pacers starting small forward Andrew Nembhard, who has done well in the role so far but is just a rookie. His ability to connect with any lineup is impressive, but it will be his defense that is important Friday night.
- Oshae Brissett puts together his best game of the season to help the Indiana Pacers beat the Toronto Raptors: 'He's doing it at a high level'. CLICK HERE.
- Bennedict Mathurin continues his impressive rookie season with an 18-point quarter, 30-point game vs Denver Nuggets. CLICK HERE.
- Younger Indiana Pacers players are benefitting from T.J. McConnell's leadership. CLICK HERE.
- Report: Los Angeles Clippers interested in Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner. CLICK HERE.
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