Indiana Pacers game preview: Pacers host lowly Houston Rockets as they look to get back on track
The Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets face off tonight for the final time of the ongoing campaign. The Pacers beat the Rockets in an ugly duel in November.
Both teams lost their most recent game but had quality wins over the weekend. Indiana gets Houston's 2023 second round pick if it lands in the top-two of the second round, so the Pacers will hope to keep the Rockets near the bottom of the standings with a win.
Viewing and Betting Information
Tip off time: 7 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Where to watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Indiana/Bally Sports+, AT&T SportsNet Southwest
Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are heavy favorites as they are -9.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 236.5.
Pacers vs Rockets Injury Report
For the Pacers, Aaron Nesmith is questionable with a sore left hip. Guard Trevelin Queen is questionable as he may be in the G League as a part of his two-way contract. Wing Kendall Brown is out with a stress fracture in his right tibia.
For the Rockets, Darius Days, Trevor Hudgins, Kevin Porter Jr, and TyTy Washington Jr are out.
Key Matchups
Buddy Hield vs Jalen Green: Pacers sharpshooter Buddy Hield has been dealing with more intense coverage recently in an attempt to not let him get his shot off. He is still valuable by providing spacing and early offense threats, but his field goal attempt numbers have dipped since the All-Star break.
Tonight, his matchup is the electric Jalen Green, who is averaging nearly 22 points per game and dropped 25 points on Tuesday. Hield will need to be impactful to win this matchup.
Myles Turner vs Alperen Sengun: Myles Turner is having a career year and will be looking to bounce back from a rough night against the Philadelphia 76ers. He has become a two-way force this season, and his playstyle is one the Rockets have struggled with this year.
Turner will square off with Turkish center Alperen Segun tonight, Houston's crafty big man who is averaging just shy of 15 points and nine rebounds per game. Turner, should he stay locked in for 48 minutes, has an advantage in this matchup and can give the Pacers a leg up with his speed and defense.
- Myles Turner is playing the best basketball of his career for the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
- Aaron Nesmith put in the extra work with the Boston Celtics. It's paying off for the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
- AllPacers goes one-on-one with new Indiana Pacers forward Jordan Nwora, CLICK HERE, and guard Trevelin Queen. CLICK HERE.
- Terry Taylor was surprised to be waived by the Indiana Pacers, but he's happy to have found a home with the Chicago Bulls. CLICK HERE.
- Follow AllPacers on Facebook: All Pacers SI
- Follow AllPacers on Twitter: @SIPacers
