The Houston Rockets will play host to the Indiana Pacers this Monday (Dec. 29) evening at their home arena of Toyota Center as the Rockets look to keep their current win streak alive vs. their Eastern Conference opponent. The Pacers are in the midst of a sort of ‘gap year’ season as their best player, Tyrese Haliburton, recovers from a torn Achilles sustained in the 2025 NBA Finals vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder.
That suggests that Houston ought to win easily, but even this thinner version of Indiana’s roster can put up a fight able to steal a win if the Rockets don’t respect their opponent.
Records, standing, and streaks
At present, the Rockets have an 18-10 record and a two-game win streak, which puts them in the Western Conference standings’ fifth-place slot.
The Pacers are the owners of a 6-26 record and an eight-game losing streak, good enough for last place in the East.
What happened in the last game for each team?
Houston beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-100 at home.
Indiana lost to the Miami Heat 142-116 on the road.
Injuries
For Houston, Alperun Sengun (calf) is questionable, and Fred VanVleet (ACL) is out.
For Indiana, Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles), Isaiah Jackson (concussion), and Obi Toppin (foot) are out, and Jay Huff (ankle), Ben Sheppard (calf), and TJ McConnell (hamstring) are questionable.
Probable starting lineups – Houston
Probable starting lineups – Indiana
Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (12/29)
Reporting by Justin Quinn, Rockets Wire / Rockets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
