Their five-game win streak up in smoke, the Houston Rockets hope to kick off a 3-game homestand on the right foot when they host the Indiana Pacers.
Houston is a 6.5-point favorite in the NBA odds, but my Pacers vs. Rockets predictions are leaning toward the visitors.
Read my NBA picks below to find out why I'm taking the points with Indiana.
Pacers vs Rockets prediction
My best bet
Pacers +6.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Houston Rockets dug themselves a hole early and couldn’t bring it all the way back, falling 101-100 to the Bucks last time out. That was the second-lowest point output of the year for Houston, which ranks middle of the pack in scoring at 113.6 points per contest.
Houston stayed competitive because its defense — which sits third in scoring, allowing just 105.7 points per game — kept them in it. The Rockets forced 16 Milwaukee turnovers and converted those into 24 points.
Meanwhile, the top offensive rebounding team in the league went to work, grabbing 16 offensive boards, which led to a +17 advantage in field goal attempts. That will be a challenge for the Indiana Pacers, who are a Bottom-8 squad in offensive rebounds, allowed just under 12 per contest.
They were dominated on the glass last game in Toronto, the first of three straight on the road, and were clubbed 130-119 by a team that had just lost seven straight. That’s the second-highest total the Pacers have allowed this season, as Indiana’s defense leaks to the tune of 117.6 points per game (25th).
The Pacers score just a bit better than Houston at 114.4 points per game, though they do rank Top 10 in the league in both field goal and 3-point shooting percentage.
Indiana currently has the Rockets’ number, ripping off nine straight wins against Houston while going a comfortable 6-2-2 against the spread against them in the last 10.
Injuries may play a part in this one. Houston’s Jalen Green (illness) and Cam Whitmore (knee) are both listed as questionable. In contrast, Indiana perimeter guys Andrew Nembhard (knee) and Aaron Nesmith (ankle) are already ruled out, with big man Myles Turner (calf) questionable.
The Rockets are the better team and will be better at home, where they are 6-2 on the year. However, Indiana is coming off the more embarrassing loss, and getting a bounceback opportunity against a team they have lots of success against is a big help.
Pacers vs Rockets same-game parlay
Pacers +6.5
Bennedict Mathurin Over 20.5 points
Fred VanVleet Over 2.5 threes
It may have taken longer than expected, but Bennedict Mathurin is putting it together in Year 3. He’s averaging 19.6 points on a healthy 53.6% clip from the field. He's topped this 20.5-point line set for Wednesday five times in his last six and is coming off a nice 28 points on 10-for-16 shooting against the Raptors.
Veteran Fred VanVleet has been connecting with the moneyball. While it took 11 attempts behind the arc in the loss to Milwaukee, FVV hit three triples in a game for the third straight contest. In his last nine games against the Pacers, he’s hit 3+ triples in five of them.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Pacers vs Rockets odds
Pacers vs Rockets live odds
Pacers vs Rockets opening odds
- Spread: Indiana +6 | Houston -6
- Moneyline: Indiana +200 | Houston -245
- Over/Under: Over 231.5 | Under 231.5
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Pacers vs Rockets spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Rockets are 10-5 ATS this season.
- The Pacers have won the last five meetings in Houston.
- The Under has cashed in three of the last five meetings.
- The Pacers have gone Over the total in three straight games.
Pacers vs Rockets trend
The Pacers have covered the spread in 13 straight games after a loss as a betting favorite. Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Rockets.
How to watch Pacers vs Rockets
| Location: | Toyota Center, Houston, TX |
| Date: | Wednesday, 11-20-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Space City Home Network, FanDuel Sports Network - Indiana |
Pacers vs Rockets latest injuries
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