Rockets vs. Pacers Pre-Game 1/6/21

Rockets Visit Indy, Face-Off Against Pacers

Beasts Out East.    Eyes on Five.    Prep the Hardwood.        

“I promise you, if you need us… if you need me… I’ll be there” is a quote from Captain America: Civil War that brought tonight’s contest to mind. As the beginnings of the United States of America’s modern civil war gets under way this afternoon, the Houston Rockets take part in another basketball game, this time against the upstart Indiana Pacers. Sure, it’s just a game, but tonight’s match is huge for the Rockets. With a record of 2-3, a win tonight would get Houston back to .500, while a loss pushes them two games below .500. It might just be one game, but there’s a huge difference between starting the season 3-3, or 2-4. Especially with this team, and the level of uncertainty that remains hovering around its superstar. The Pacers are a dark-horse threat to win the East, and they’ve shown what they’re capable of, getting off to a hot 5-2 start.

Indy boasts five players the Rockets will have to focus on. The Pacers have the best backcourt in the Eastern Conference, with Malcolm Brogdon running the show at point, and Victor Oladipo, Indy’s best player, and star swingman at shooting guard. Indy also boasts one of the NBA’s most powerful, and dynamic inside duos: Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis. Christian Wood, DeMarcus Cousins, PJ Tucker, and any Rockets who are plan to bang bodies inside needs to be ready for all-out war in the pain tonight. Turner is one of the best role players in the NBA, and Sabonis is an All-Star, who’s teetering on the verge of superstardom. The son of Hall-of-Famer Arvydas Sabonis is off to the best start of his young career, and is a lethal scoring and rebounding presence inside. Justin Holiday plays the Sixth Man role for Indy, and is the other guy who could go off for a big night, if the Rockets defense is shaky once again. But, this one comes down to Houston’s newest combination: James Harden and Christian Wood, the Hardwood.

If the Beard can have a bounce-back game and reach his usual scoring numbers with efficiency, it should trigger more alley-oops to Wood, and more potential to get Indy’s lethal bigs in foul trouble. If Harden and Wood can be in sync in on the road against one of the best teams in the East, the Rockets have a chance. But they’ll also need John Wall to look like he did in his first two games, as opposed to his Monday night below-average showing. Houston will need to put as much offensive pressure as possible on the Pacers, and really drive to the basket with ferocity. Eric Gordon in particular, needs to finish strong, and not look for the contact (which usually results in embarrassing turnovers). This one should be close in Indy tonight. Expect the best game of this young season for Houston. The Pacers are at home, off to a good start. The Rockets are still adjusting to a new coach, new teammates, and a new system. But Houston still has the Beard on their side. Ready to play like the world needs saving. And on Wednesday night in Indy, when the Rockets need him… he’ll be there.

 

Bankers Life Fieldhouse:  Indianapolis, Indiana

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets: (2-3):  Red

Indiana Pacers (5-2):  White

 

TV:  6 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW