Indiana Pacers vs Houston Rockets: Match Preview and Predictions - 15th November 2019
Match details
Fixture: Indiana Pacers vs Houston Rockets
Date & Time: Friday, 15th November 2019 (8:00 PM ET)
Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Last game results
Indiana Pacers (7-4): 111-85 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder (12th November, Tuesday)
Houston Rockets (8-3): 102-93 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers (13th November, Wednesday)
Indiana Pacers Preview
The Indiana Pacers have exceeded expectations having played just 11 games in the new season. They boast of a 7-4 record and head into their next game against the Houston Rockets riding a four-game win streak.
With Victor Oladipo on the sidelines, not many would have fancied the Pacers' chances of competing, let alone making the postseason, but some solid all-round contributions have ensured that the Pacers are safely ensconced in the playoff spots.
Key Player - Domantas Sabonis
In the absence of Victor Oladipo and Myles Turner, the Pacers needed someone to shoulder the scoring load and Domantas Sabonis has answered their call in style.
Sabonis is averaging 19.8 points and 13.3 rebounds per game this season, a marked improvement over his 14.1 points and 9.3 rebounds last season.
He's also been extremely impressive from the charity stripe, shooting 85.3%.
Pacers predicted lineup
TJ Warren, JaKarr Sampson, Domantas Sabonis, Aaron Holiday, Malcolm Brogdon
Houston Rockets Preview
After an indifferent 3-3 start to the season, the Houston Rockets have shrugged off their cloak of lethargy and burst into life, reeling off five successive wins to rise to the second spot in the Western Conference Standings.
The Rockets' offense finally looks like the force of nature it was touted to be ahead of the start of the season and, led by James Harden, is putting up 120.3 points per game.
The Rockets enter this contest on the back of a comfortable victory over Kawhi Leonard's Los Angeles Clippers, and will be keen to secure their sixth successive triumph when they welcome the Indiana Pacers to the Toyota Center.
Key Player - James Harden
James Harden began the season in disappointing fashion and his struggles from the three-point line meant the Rockets dropped three of their opening six games.
However, he's since hit his stride and is putting up MVP-calibre performances. Harden is averaging a whopping 38.2 points and 8.2 assists per game this season.
He most recently torched the Clippers, pouring in 47 points and making 16 of his 17 free throws. Harden also seems to have finally found his range from beyond the arc, having made 7 of his 13 attempts from deep against the Clippers.
Rockets predicted lineup
PJ Tucker, Ben McLemore, Clint Capela, James Harden, Russell Westbrook
Pacers vs Rockets Match Prediction
The Rockets have dominated the head-to-head between these two teams of late. They've won eight of their last 11 meetings, including four on the trot.
They also enter this contest riding a five-game win streak and look unstoppable on offense.
At full strength, the Pacers may have been in with a shout of pulling off the upset, but due to the absence of two of their main stars, they could struggle to keep pace with a freely-scoring Houston side.
Where to Watch Pacers vs Rockets?
The game will be broadcast on AT&T Sportsnet - Southwest, TSN and FOX Sports Indiana, from 8:00 PM (ET). You can live stream the game via NBA League Pass.