Houston Rockets vs Indiana Pacers preview and picks

In Thursday night’s interconference rematch, the Houston Rockets (10-22) are playing the Indiana Pacers (13-19) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Will the struggling Rockets pick up their first head-to-head win versus the Pacers since Nov. 15, 2019?

Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers news

Leading into tonight’s interesting matchup, the Rockets are 16-15-1 against the spread in the 2021-22 NBA regular season, whereas the Pacers are 15-16-1 against the spread. The start time for this contest is 7 p.m. ET. The available television networks include AT&T SportsNet Southwest, Bally Sports Indiana, Bally Sports Midwest, Bally Sports South, Bally Sports Southeast and NBA League Pass. Per Land of Basketball’s database, these two competing teams have played each other 97 times during the regular season all-time. Plus, in the past three meetings, the Pacers are a perfect 3-0 against them.

On Apr. 14, 2021, the last time these teams met, Indiana defeated Houston 132-124 at Toyota Center. Changing the subject, if you are an avid Pacers fan, you’d know that Pacers games have not been viewable on streaming platforms for the last two seasons. Though, this is a common issue affecting several teams across the league. To be exact, there are a total of 23 teams with streaming problems. Based on the latest news update, the organization is in the final year of their deal with broadcasting partner Bally Sports Indiana.

Fans haven’t been able to watch Pacers games on streaming platforms for 2 seasons.

Herb Simon: “It’s a time of tremendous change in this area”

Per league sources, Pacers are in the final year of their deal with broadcasting partner Bally Sports Indiana.https://t.co/GT6fEX53CR

— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) December 23, 2021

Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers betting lines and odds

Sportsbook: BetOnline

Over/Under: 222.5

Point spread: Pacers -9 (-110)

Best moneyline: Rockets +320, Pacers -400

Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers injury report

Rockets: PG John Wall (out indefinitely) | PG Kevin Porter Jr. (questionable) | SG Jalen Green (questionable)

Pacers: SF T.J. Warren (out indefinitely) | PG T.J. McConnell (out indefinitely) | PG Malcolm Brogdon (questionable)

After missing one month due to hamstring injury, Rockets prized rookie Jalen Green will return on Thursday vs. Pacers in Indianapolis, sources tell me and @KellyIkoNBA.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 21, 2021

Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers preview

Moreover, on Wednesday, in the Rockets’ 126-106 away loss versus the Bucks, center Christian Wood added yet another double-double to his career total, accumulating 20 points and 11 rebounds in 28 minutes played. Eric Gordon and Kenyon Martin Jr. each ended their performances with 12 points and 6.0 assists, too. The Rockets out-rebounded the Bucks 52 to 48.

However, Milwaukee outscored them 38 to 26 in the second quarter. Both teams scored 46 points in the paint, but the difference-maker in this contest was free throw shooting. Houston shot 21-for-31 (67.7%) at the line. Not to mention, the team’s 15 turnovers made it even more difficult for them to overcome a double-digit deficit. Following this defeat, the Rockets are now 3-15 away, 7-7 at home and 9-8-1 ATS on the road this season.

Referencing ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Pacers have a 73% chance of winning.

Meanwhile, in the Pacers’ 125-96 away loss against the Heat on Tuesday, Caris LeVert and Chris Duarte each put up 17 points and 4.0 rebounds in their performances. For team-highs, this effort was not close to satisfactory. Oshae Brissett closed out his night with 14 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 24 minutes on the court. In the first half, Indiana allowed Miami to score a total of 68 points.

On top of losing the rebound battle 53 to 42, the Pacers surrendered 46 points in the free throw lane. Their short-range shooting accuracy was below average. They shot 31-for-87 (35.6%) from the floor and 11-for-31 (35.5%) from behind the arc. After this road loss, the team is now 3-12 away, 10-7 at home and 9-7-1 ATS at home this season.

Projected starting lineup

Rockets: PG Eric Gordon | SG Jalen Green | SF Garrison Mathews | PF Jae’Sean Tate | C Christian Wood

Pacers: PG Malcolm Brogdon | SG Chris Duarte | SF Caris LeVert | PF Domantas Sabonis | C Myles Turner

Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers prediction

Additionally, the total for tonight’s Eastern Conference contest is set at 222.5. Pertaining the spread consensus, 52% of bettors are hoping the Pacers will cover the spread at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Concerning the point total consensus, 72% of gamblers are predicting the total will go over 222.5. Thus far, Houston is 4-1 as a favorite, 6-21 as an underdog and 9-8-1 ATS away, while Indiana is 9-11 as a favorite, 4-8 as an underdog and 9-7-1 ATS at home.

For vital betting trends, the Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their previous five performances. They are also 1-4 straight up in their past five games. Next, the total has gone over in seven of Houston’s last eight contests. And, the total has gone over in six of the Rockets’ previous seven road games. To add to these betting statistics, the team is 1-4 SU in their past five matches versus Central Division opponents. Finally, the Rockets are 2-6 SU in their last eight contests.

On the other side, the total has gone over in nine of the Pacers’ past 13 performances. Nonetheless, the total has gone under in nine of their previous 11 contests versus the Rockets. Also, the total has gone over in eight of Indiana’s last 10 games played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. In conclusion, contemplate picking the Pacers to win and cover the spread. If you need have never placed a bet on a basketball game, read our handicap betting guide.