Key injuries drastically alter this Rockets-Pacers showdown. Can Houston exploit Indiana's depleted lineup for another crucial win?
Monday, December 29, the Rockets (19-10) will face the Indiana Pacers (6-26) Toyota Center.
When: Monday, December 29 @ 7:00 PM CT
Where: Toyota Center, Houston
Where to watch:
Space City Home Network (local)
NBA League Pass (with subscription)
Subject to local blackouts
Rockets vs. Pacers Injury Report:
Keep this list handy- the injury report going into tonight paints two very different pictures, and the contrast matters.
Houston:
Out: Center - Alperen Şengün (calf)
Out: Guard - Fred VanVleet (ACL)
Indiana:
Out: Guard - Tyrese Haliburton (achilles tear)
Out: Forward - Isaiah Jackson (concussion)
Available: Center - Jay Huff (ankle)
Available: Guard - TJ McConnell
On Houston’s side, Fred VanVleet remains out for the season, and Apleren Şengün is sitting again with a calf issue. Houston destroyed the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-100 without Şengün on the floor on Saturday, so it’s safe to say they can manage with him watching from the bench.
The Rockets were able to quickly adjust their system without their playmaker. Kevin Durant knew he’d be picking up any scoring slack and went straight to work, Houston leaned on defense, rebounding, and half-court control instead of flow, and held the top-tier three-point shooting team to just six attempts in the final frame. We can likely expect a similar strategy against the Pacers Monday night.
Indiana enters again quite shorthanded. Starting guard Tyrese Haliburton remains out for the season due to devastating the achilles tear he suffered in Game 7 of the Finals last season, which leaves the Pacers without their defensive engine. That’s been evident throughout this losing streak, as Indiana has struggled to generate consistent offensive when defenses tighten.
Isiah Jacksone being sidelined further complicates things for the Pacers interior depth and rim protection- a dangerous loss when facing a team that thrives on physicality, rebounding, and second-chance points like Houston.
Jay huff being available may stabilize minutes, but doesn’t solve the lack of personnel they need to actually control tempo right now. Even with T.J. McConnell suiting up and able to help steady the backcourt, the Pacers sill have a hard time sustaining competitive offense when the games slow down.
Against a Rockets team that’s comfortable forcing discipline, Indiana’s margin for error on Saturday is thin. WIthout Haliburton orchestrating and Jackson anchoring inside, the Pacers will need near-perfect shotmaking to stay competitive, and that’s exactly where things have been falling apart lately.