Houston Rockets Vs. Indiana Pacers: Game 60: Game Status Analysis

Jan 10, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) drives the ball as Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) defends in overtime at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) drives the ball as Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) defends in overtime at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Yep, the Houston Rockets that we’ve come to known to love are back in the fold.

Yep, the Houston Rockets that we’ve come to known to love are back in the fold.

After a night where the team scored a season-high 142 points — about a dozen away from the franchise record — and launched 58 threes, Rockets ball is back and we’re going to be shooting opponents out the building.

No matter how the Minnesota Timberwolves tried to get back into the game, we never ceded the lead in the game and stayed in control throughout.

I’m hoping this continues but the schedule is going to get a bit rougher as things transition through with the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs coming up over the next week after this game.

But for now, the Rockets will take on the 30-29 Indiana Pacers tonight and they won’t be an easy task as they have some key, young pieces on their roster with a healthy mix of veterans.

So what’s next?

So who’s leading the charge for the Pacers?

Paul George leads the team in scoring (21.8 PPG), Myles Turner is the top board-getter (7.2 RPG) and shot-blocker (2.1 APG).  Jeff Teague is in charge of the dimes (8.1 APG) and Thaddeus Young with the steals (1.8 SPG).

Let’s talk about what the Pacers do well.

They have a decent shooters.  The Pacers are 12th in the NBA in regard to effective field goal percentage (51.4) and tied for 11th – with the Denver Nuggets — in true shooting percentage (55.8).

They force turnovers.  The Pacers are 8th in the league in opposing turnovers, forcing on average of 15.1 per game.

They make their free throws.  The Pacers are 2nd in the league in free throw percentage, shooting 81.4 percent from the charity stripe as a team.

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Injuries:

There are no injuries to report for the Houston Rockets.

As for the Pacers, Al Jefferson had a dental procedure done and has had the after effects of some pain.  He didn’t play Saturday’s contest against the Miami Heat but it’s possible he may be available today.  I’d deem him as PROBABLE but he has been ruled as a game-time decision.

Source(s): Nate Taylor of the Indy Star and CBS Sports

Matchups to Watch:

  1. Clint Capela vs. Myles Turner
  2. Patrick Beverley vs. Jeff Teague
  3. Trevor Ariza vs. Paul George
  4. Ryan Anderson vs. Thaddeus Young

Prediction:

111-103 in a Houston Rockets’ win!

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

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.

The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Southwest and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius 207, XM/SiriusXM 86 (Internet 890) and La Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.

Go Rockets!