NBA Showdown: Indiana Pacers vs Houston Rockets - Lineups, Injuries & Prediction
The NBA is set for another thrilling encounter as the Indiana Pacers prepare to host the Houston Rockets in a highly anticipated Monday night clash. This matchup promises intense basketball action with both teams looking to secure a crucial victory in their respective campaigns.
When and Where to Watch the Game
The Indiana Pacers will welcome the Houston Rockets at the iconic Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 p.m. ET on Monday, February 2, 2026. Basketball fans can catch all the live action exclusively on FDSIN and SCHN television networks. For those preferring online streaming, the match will be available on Fubo and Prime Video platforms, ensuring no one misses a moment of this exciting contest.
Expected Starting Lineups
Indiana Pacers:
- Andrew Nembhard (Point Guard)
- Benedict Mathurin (Shooting Guard)
- Aaron Nesmith (Small Forward)
- Jarace Walker (Power Forward)
- Pascal Siakam (Center)
Houston Rockets:
- Amen Thompson (Point Guard)
- Tari Eason (Shooting Guard)
- Josh Okogie (Small Forward)
- Jabari Smith Jr. (Power Forward)
- Alperen Sengun (Center)
Injury Report
Indiana Pacers:
- Tyrese Haliburton - OUT (Achilles injury)
- Obi Toppin - OUT (Foot injury)
Houston Rockets:
- Kevin Durant - OUT (Ankle injury)
- Steven Adams - OUT (Ankle injury)
- Fred VanVleet - OUT (Achilles injury)
Team Form and Key Players
The Indiana Pacers enter this game having secured 13 victories out of 49 matches played this season. With star guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined due to his Achilles injury, the team is heavily relying on players like Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith to step up and deliver strong performances. Pascal Siakam remains a cornerstone for the Pacers, averaging an impressive 23.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game this season. Nembhard has also been crucial, contributing 17.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game.
On the other side, the Houston Rockets have shown better form with 30 wins out of 47 games. Despite the absence of Kevin Durant due to injuries, the Rockets boast efficient players like Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. Thompson has been averaging 18.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, playing a pivotal role in pushing the team closer to playoff contention. Smith Jr. has also been consistent, delivering 15.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.
Game Prediction
This season, the Indiana Pacers have scored 218.5 points in 35 out of their 49 games, demonstrating their offensive capabilities. However, the Houston Rockets have matched this scoring output while playing in 24 out of 47 games, indicating a slightly more efficient offense. Statistically, the game appears to favor the Rockets, given their superior win-loss record and scoring consistency.
Both teams will be missing key players due to injuries, which could impact their strategies and performance. The Pacers will need their remaining stars to elevate their game to compensate for Haliburton's absence, while the Rockets must rely on their depth to overcome the loss of Durant and other injured players.
This matchup is poised to be a closely contested battle, with the Rockets holding a slight edge based on current form and statistics. However, the Pacers' home-court advantage and the determination of players like Siakam and Nembhard could make this an unpredictable and exciting game for NBA enthusiasts.
