The Indiana Pacers visit the Houston Rockets on Monday, December 29, with tipoff scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET at Toyota Center.
Indiana enters the game with a 6-26 record and riding an eight-game losing streak after lopsided defeats against Miami and Boston. Houston stands at 19-10 and has won back-to-back games, including a 117-100 victory over Cleveland.
Injuries continue to define Indiana’s season. The Pacers will be without Tyrese Haliburton, who is out for the year with a right Achilles tendon tear. Indiana has also ruled out Obi Toppin due to a right foot stress fracture and Isaiah Jackson following a concussion. Jay Huff is listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain, while T.J. McConnell and Ben Sheppard are both questionable with hamstring and calf issues, respectively.
With multiple guards sidelined or uncertain, the Pacers have leaned heavily on Pascal Siakam, who leads the team at 23.4 points per game. Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard have carried larger scoring and ball-handling roles during the losing streak.
Houston’s injury report is shorter but carries significant impact. Alperen Sengun is listed as questionable with a left soleus strain, placing his availability in focus given his averages of 22.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game.
The Rockets are already without Fred VanVleet, who remains out after right knee ACL repair. Isaiah Crawford and Tyler Smith are also out under G League two-way designations.
Houston’s recent success has been driven by balance and defensive pressure. Kevin Durant continues to lead the offense at 25.4 points per game, while Amen Thompson contributes across the stat sheet with rebounding, playmaking, and on-ball defense.
