Rockets vs. Pacers Pre-Game 12/23/21

Rockets Face Pacers in Final Game Before Christmas

The Return.    Short-Handed Horses.    Wrapping Up.

Jalen Green makes his highly-anticipated return to Houston’s lineup as the Rockets visit the Pacers in their final game before Christmas. Green has missed the previous 14 games for Houston, and his return comes just in time. The Rockets are finishing off a tough stretch with the second half of a back-to-back tonight in Indiana. However, tonight’s battle is a very winnable match for Houston. The Pacers are one of the more disappointing teams this season, with a record of 13-19. To make matters worse, their best player, Domantas Sabonis, has been the heavy subject of trade rumors. It hasn’t stopped Sabonis from being the most underrated big-man in entire league. Fortunately for Houston, they won’t have to worry about stopping Sabonis tonight, as he and Malcolm Brogdon are both missing Thursday’s game due to injuries. The Pacers have lost three of their last four games, and are coming off a 29-point beatdown at the hands of the Heat in Miami.  Houston has dropped two straight after getting blown out by the Bucks in Milwaukee last night.

How will Jalen Green’s return impact the Rockets? We’ll start getting answers tonight in Indy. It will certainly take time to implement Green back into the lineup. However, he was starting to finally find a consistent stroke in his shooting rhythm and overall game just before his injury. Houston hopes Green won’t take much time to get back to playing like one of the top rookies in the draft. Coach Stephen Silas will certainly have to adjust who’s playing time is impacted the most with Green’s return. It’s a good problem to have for a coach, as so many guys have stepped up in Green’s absence. Garrison Matthews emerged from the G-league, Armoni Brooks has really played well, and K.J. Martin is currently playing the best basketball of his career. Christian Wood’s been garnering double-doubles on a nightly basis, and we’ll see if the big-man can keep that up with Jalen back in the lineup. Look for Indiana-native Eric Gordon to have a big night for the Rockets regardless. EG is from Indiana, and played his college ball for the Hoosiers. Indy usually brings out the best in Gordon, who’s excited to play in front of his friends and family.

Tonight’s game is the final game before Christmas for the Rockets, who get a much needed three-day break. Thursday’s matchup also caps a brutal stretch of nine games in nine different cities for Houston, as 8 of their last 9 before Christmas were away from Toyota Center. The Rockets have yet to win on the second night of a back-to-back this season. Maybe Jalen Green’s return will end that streak. He might just be the present Houston needs to get back on track in time for the holidays.

 

Gainbridge Fieldhouse:  Indianapolis, Indiana

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (10-22):  White

Indiana Pacers (13-19):  Yellow

 

Tip-Off:  6 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass