Game 38: Houston Rockets Vs. Indiana Pacers Preview

After the Houston Rockets have had a few days off, it’s back to business for the team who will have a bit busier of a schedule for this week.

After the Houston Texans, floundered miserably against the Kansas City Chiefs 30-0 yesterday, we now turn to our Rockets as the team to get us out of the doldrums.

At least until the Houston Astros get started.

There are just as many problems with the Rockets as with the Texans but the difference is that the Rockets have the talent but have just been underachieving as of late.

It’s almost the All-Star Break so let’s hope this team can make a strong finish before the break.

We’ll see — but I won’t hold my breath as they face a good, 21-15 Indiana Pacers team tonight.

So who’s leading the charge for the Pacers?

Paul George is the team’s leading scorer (24.3 PPG) and top rebounder (7.6 RPG). Monta Ellis is the chief of dimes (4.8 APG) and steals (1.80 SPG). Ian Mahinmi is the team’s key shot-blocker (1.10 BPG).

Let’s talk about what the Pacers do well.

They get the job done on defense. The Pacers are ranked 3rd in the NBA as far as defensive efficiency, allowing a paltry 98.3 points per 100 possessions.

They love to have the basketball in their hands. The Pacers are ranked 9th as far as PACE, averaging 99.1 possessions per game.

Injuries:

Dwight Howard‘s back has been giving him fits as of late and it caused him to be sidelined for Thursday’s contest against the Utah Jazz. He did not practice yesterday, so his status remains uncertain. He said that he hopes to be able to play tonight but is unsure. He’ll likely be ruled as questionable tonight but his status is officially day-to-day.

Ty Lawson was suspended for three games this past Thursday as a result of a guilty plea for a separate charge in a DUI arrest that occurred this past July. His presence will be missed but there’s no doubt Jason Terry picks up the slack and then some as he continues to do.

If you’ve been under a rock lately, Donatas Motiejunas‘ back issues have flared up again. Yep, another team member with a back issue! He has planned to sit out until he’s pain-free so no specific timeline has been set. This is such a setback to a guy that’s been working so hard to get back into a rhythm. There was no structural damage to the back itself so he may be back sooner than we think but he may not. We just have to cross our fingers for a speedy recovery. Montrezl Harrell will take his spot on the roster for the time being, he had been leading the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in scoring during his stint there (21.5 PPG).

Sam Dekker had back surgery and is expected to miss about a couple more months.

There are no injuries to report for the Indiana Pacers.

Sources: Jenny Dial Creech/Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle and Mike Mazzeo of ESPN.com.

Next: 2015 FIVE Worst Moments In Houston Sports

Three Things to Watch:

Trevor Ariza vs. Paul George
James Harden vs. Monta Ellis
Patrick Beverley vs. George Hill

Prediction:

106-97 in a Rockets’ loss

The Rockets are at home to take on the Pacers at Toyota Center.

Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. CST.

The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Southwest and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME) and La Ranchera 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.

Go Rockets!

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