With the NBA trade deadline a week away, contenders will be ready for playoff runs, with the playoff-hopeful Houston Rockets taking on a bottom-feeder in the Indiana Pacers. Houston has been having a strong season and could have another great game for fans and bettors tonight.
Houston is trying to continue its winning streak and start February with a win to keep up its push for the playoffs. The Rockets have been having a solid season, and bettors could have an easy win tonight. While the Rockets are looking for a win for their playoff hopes, the Pacers are hoping to continue their win streak, even in a nightmare season. Bettors could have a fun night, with the Houston Rockets taking on the Indiana Pacers in a prime-time game.
Game Details
Date: February 2, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
TV/Streaming: FanDuel Sports Network Indiana, NBA League Pass, Space City Home Network
Odds: HOU -205, Houston Rockets -5.5, o/u 218.5
Team Form & Recent Results
Houston Rockets Recent Form
- The Houston Rockets are winners of two in a row and have won seven of ten games to start the month of February.
- Houston has been playing well, being fourth in the Western Conference standings this season.
- The Rockets rank well in offense, with being ninth in FG%, offensive rebounds, and fifth in offensive ratings, while being a strong defensive team, being fifth in defensive ratings, and 11th in steals.
- Kevin Durant has been playing well, scoring 26.2 points, with five rebounds and four assists per game.
Indiana Pacers Recent Form
- Indiana has won two straight, winning three of four games to end January.
- The Pacers are having a nightmare season, ranking last in the Eastern Conference.
- Indiana has been playing poorly offensively, ranking last in various offensive ratings, including 28th in PPG, 29th in FG%, and 30th in offensive ratings.
- Pascal Siakam is their key player, scoring 23.8 points a game, with six rebounds and four assists a game.
Key Storylines
- The Houston Rockets for tonight’s game will be without Kevin Durant and Fred VanVleet, while the Pacers will still be without Obi Toppin.
- There will be no stars returning from injuries for tonight’s game for either team.
- The Rockets are having a strong run, winning two in a row and winning seven of ten games.
- The Pacers won two in a row, but have a poor home record this season.
- Bettors see the Rockets winning and covering due to the strong talent the team has, despite Durant being out for the game.
Players to Watch
Houston Rockets
- Amen Thompson
- Thompson has been having a strong season, scoring 18.2 points per game, with 5.5 assists, and 7.7 rebounds.
- The Rockets third year star had a strong game with scoring 21 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists.
Indiana Pacers
- Aaron Nesmith
- The veteran star has been playing well, scoring 13.8 points a game, with 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
- Nesmith scored 23 points with six rebounds and went 3/4 in three-pointers made.
Matchup Breakdown
Offense vs. Defense
The Houston Rockets are a strong offensive team, with being ranked high in FG%, with being ninth in the league, first in rebounds, offensive rebounds, and fifth in offensive ratings. Houston is also a strong defensive team, ranking fifth in defensive ratings and 11th in steals for their defense.
While the Rockets are a solid team in the stats, the Indiana Pacers are the opposite, ranking low in offense, ranking 28th in PPG, 29th in FG%, 21st in rebounds, and ranking 30th in offensive ratings. Indiana is also a poor defensive team, ranking 20th in defensive ratings, 27th in steals, but takes care of the ballwith being tenth in turnovers.
Coaching / Strategy Notes
For the Houston Rockets to win this game, they need to take care of the ball against the Pacers, being 14th in turnovers, along with depending on their stars, besides Durant tonight. Houston also needs to shut down the Pacers offense with the team, while poor in shooting, could win games with their star power.
For Indiana to win, they need their defense to have a strong game, facing a team that has not taken care of the ball this season. If the defense could shut down the offense for the Rockets tonight, they could win against them in their home court.
Prediction
Prediction: Houston Rockets 120, Indiana Pacers 90
How to Watch
- TV channel/Local broadcasts: FanDuel Sports Network Indiana, Space City Home Network
- Streaming: NBA League Pass
- Radio: SiriusXM
FAQ SECTION
Q: What time is the [Houston Rockets] vs. [Indiana Pacers] game?
A: [The time for the Houston Rockets game against the Indiana Pacers will be at 7:00 pm for bettors and Eastern Coast fans].
Q: Who is favored to win?
A: [Bettors are favoring the Houston Rockets, due to their roster being stronger than the Pacers, even with their injuries.
Q: Where is the game being played?
A: [Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN].
Q: What are the betting odds?
A: [(HOU -205, Houston Rockets -5.5, o/u 218.5)].
Conclusion
With the Houston Rockets playing well to end the month of January and heading into February, they could easily win against the Pacers and their weak defense. Indiana, while on a hot streak, has been beating weak opponents and could struggle against the Rockets at their home tonight.
Bettors could see a great game from the Rockets tonight, and even see them make the cover against them to win cash tonight. With the NBA trade deadline coming, the Houston Rockets could be buyers with a win against a bottom-feeder and have teams give them depth players to have a chance to make a deep playoff run.
