The Indiana Pacers Travel to Houston to Battle with the Rockets

Neither the Indiana Pacers nor Houston Rockets will be making the playoffs this year. However, they still have some games left to try and end their season on a high note. The Pacers recently claimed a win over the Spurs, quite a notable one for them. If they can bring that same intensity to this game, the Pacers could come out on top. They also have a favorable matchup on Friday.

The Houston Rockets are seated at the bottom of the Western Conference. They’ve had a tough season but have a good young core to build on in the future. Not long ago, they took down a struggling Los Angeles Lakers. This proves that the Rockets can win games; they just need to buckle down and play to their strengths. They’ll look to send the Pacers home with a loss.

Game Preview: Indiana Pacers at Houston Rockets March 18th

The Indiana Pacers actually have a relatively good offense compared to the rest of the NBA. They sit in the top 50%, averaging 110.7 points per game, but don’t have many wins under their belt. Aside from losing players like Domantas Sabonis, their main problem is defense. If their defense were just slightly more resilient, the Pacers could be a much better basketball team.

The Houston Rockets are essentially in the same boat as the Pacers. Their offense is 18th in the NBA, but their defense is 30th. This league-worst defense is the main reason the Rockets have been unable to string wins together. On average, they give up 118.2 points per game, making it nearly impossible for the Rockets to win. This has to be addressed in the offseason.

Indiana Pacers at Houston Rockets Betting Prediction

These two last faced on December 24th, 2021, and the Pacers came out on top. Not only did they win, but they beat the Rockets by a margin of 12 points. Because of this, we have to take the Pacers, even if they’re on the road. Houston’s defense continues to be the bane of any success for the Rockets. This problem will pop up again as they take on the Indiana Pacers.

Most of the games between these two teams go over the total because of their defenses. We think this will also be the case in this game as well, especially because of Houston. In a recent loss, the Houston Rockets allowed the Pelicans to score 130 points. The Pelicans were dealing with a ton of injuries as well. Whenever you bet a game with the Rockets, take the over. 

The spread won’t be very large in this game either, giving the Pacers a good shot. They recently had a game against the Atlanta Hawks and kept it close. Look for them to secure a road win, cover the spread, with the total going over. 

• All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds are subject to change.
• All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.

* All odds provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.