Game Preview: Pacers vs Rockets

Matchup

After Monday’s thrilling 118-116 overtime victory on the New Orleans Pelicans, the Pacers (5-2) return to Bankers Life Fieldhouse for a two-game homestand. On Wednesday, they will sq. off in opposition to the always-potent James Harden and the Houston Rockets (2-3). The Rockets can be coming off their second 13-point lack of the season, a 113-100 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks.

Regardless of Houston’s gradual begin, Harden finds himself in a well-known place among the many NBA’s scoring leaders. As of Tuesday morning, the 11-year veteran sits in first place, averaging 33 factors over 4 contests. In opposition to the Mavericks, he was restricted to 21 factors on 5-of-17 capturing — his lowest scoring output of the season up to now. Nonetheless, in two video games in opposition to the Pacers final season, Harden averaged 44.5 factors per contest.

Aiding Harden on the scoreboard this yr are Rockets newcomers Christian Wooden and John Wall. Wooden, an NBA journeyman, is on his sixth crew in as many seasons, though he appears to have discovered his place in Houston. The previous UNLV heart is averaging a career-high 23.6 factors in 5 video games began this yr. Wall, the previous no. 1 total draft choose within the 2010 NBA Draft, was acquired in a blockbuster offseason commerce that despatched Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards. In his first yr with a brand new crew, Wall is averaging 21.3 factors and 6.3 assists per contest.

Most of Houston’s struggles might be attributed to its subpar protection to begin the season. The Rockets come into their matchup in opposition to the Pacers with the seventh-lowest defensive score, permitting 113.1 factors per 100 possessions. The Blue & Gold ought to discover loads of success on the offensive finish in opposition to the guests, as coach Nate Bjorkgren’s high-flying offense has the NBA’s sixth-highest offensive score (113 factors per 100 possessions).

There needs to be loads of area on the ground to seek out the open man all through this contest. Three Pacers starters — Malcolm Brogdon, Victor Oladipo, and Domantas Sabonis — are averaging 20 factors or extra via the primary seven video games of the season. Search for the squad to share the ball and proceed that development throughout this sport. The Pacers rank fourth within the NBA in assists per sport (27.7).

Projected Starters

Malcolm Brogdon

Victor Oladipo

Aaron Vacation

Domantas Sabonis

Myles Turner

John Wall

James Harden

Danuel Home Jr.

P.J. Tucker

Christian Wooden

Damage Report

Pacers: Goga Bitadze – out (proper ankle sprain), Brian Bowen II – out (partial groin tear), Jeremy Lamb – out (left knee rehabilation), Jalen Lecque – out (left ankle sprain), T.J. Warren – out (left foot stress fracture)

Rockets: Mason Jones – uncertain (proper ankle sprain), Chris Clemons – out (proper Achilles surgical procedure)

Final Assembly

Aug. 12, 2020: Regardless of a 45-point, 17 rebound efficiency from James Harden, the then-shorthanded Indiana Pacers walked away with a 108-104 victory final yr within the Orlando bubble. With Domantas Sabonis, T.J. Warren, and Malcolm Brogdon all sidelined, the Blue & Gold discovered manufacturing from Myles Turner and Justin Vacation. The duo scored 18 factors apiece en path to the victory. Turner additionally hauled in 12 rebounds to notch a double-double. Edmond Sumner additionally added a season-high 17 factors off the bench.

Houston raced out to a 20-5 lead early within the first. However Indiana responded with a 21-8 surge to maintain inside putting distance for almost all of the sport. The Blue & Gold held slim leads at each halftime (51-50) and the third quarter (79-77) as the sport remained tight to the ultimate seconds.

A Chris Clemons three pulled Houston to inside 4, 106-102, with 2:22 to play. Nonetheless, neither crew then scored for the following two minutes of motion. Harden’s layup with 26.7 seconds remaining then lower Indiana’s result in simply two.

Nonetheless, on the opposite finish, Justin Vacation ended up hauling in a clutch offensive rebound. He was then fouled and sealed the sport on the free throw line. The victory gave Indiana a top-five seed heading into the 2019-20 NBA Playoffs.

Noteworthy

• Doug McDermott averaged 17 factors in two video games in opposition to the Houston Rockets final season and completed 6-of-9 from past the arc in opposition to the crew.
• The Pacers have dropped 5 of their final six contests in opposition to the Rockets.
• Indiana is eyeing its first house victory in opposition to Houston since Jan. 29, 2017.

Broadcast Data TV & Radio Listings »

TV: FOX Sports activities Indiana – Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan – Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Pat Boylan (sideline reporter/host)