Pacers’ rare winning spree to be tested by Rockets
The Indiana Pacers continue a four-game homestand on Monday looking to extend a rare winning streak to three games with the Houston Rockets visiting Indianapolis.
Indiana opened its current home stretch Wednesday with a 113-110 defeat of Chicago, then followed up on Saturday by beating Atlanta, 129-124.
Coupled with a 117-114 road upset of Oklahoma City on Jan. 23 in a rematch of last season's NBA Finals, the Pacers head into Monday's contest having won three of four. They are also 7-5 over their last 12, the best stretch in a trying campaign for the reigning Eastern Conference champions.
"Remaining poised and keeping aggression," Indiana coach Rick Carlisle credited for his team's recent reversal in fortunes after winning just six of the first 37. "The game is a fast game, and you've got to keep force, speed, tempo offensively. And then defensively, it's a challenge because the other team is trying to do the same thing."
Indiana also has enjoyed more stability in its lineup since the beginning of 2026. While the Pacers have known since June they wouldn't have the services of All-NBA point guard Tyrese Haliburton this season, they have been without Obi Toppin since Oct. 26.
They also have played 22 games without Bennedict Mathurin, 21 without Aaron Nesmith and 10 without Andrew Nembhard. When Mathurin returned to the floor on Jan. 26, it marked the first time since Jan. 2 that all three were in the lineup.
The trio represents Indiana's top scorers after Pascal Siakam, whose 23.8 points and 6.9 rebounds in 47 contests have been the Pacers' most consistent production.
Siakam finished with 25 points in Saturday's win over Atlanta. Nembhard went for 26 points and 10 assists, Nesmith provided 23 points and Mathurin added 14.
Houston, meanwhile, arrives having won two in a row and four of five following a 111-107 defeat of Dallas on Saturday. The Rockets weathered a 34-point, 12-rebound performance from Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg and uncharacteristic 6-of-17 and 6-of-20 shooting nights from Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun.
Amen Thompson led Houston with 21 points, picking up the slack as Durant and Sengun scored 13 and 14 points -- 13.2 and seven fewer than their respective season averages.
"We're not relying on one or two guys," Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. "Your main guys have some off nights, and others pick up the slack there. So (we) encourage to be confident and aggressive and understanding they're going to get some open shots with (Durant and Sengun commanding attention)."
While Durant and Sengun are setting the scoring pace, Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason are contributing between 12.1 and 18.2 points per game.
The Rockets have paired this offensive balance with one of the NBA's stingiest defenses. They enter Monday's contest holding opponents to 109.9 points per game -- third-fewest in the league.
Houston limits foes to 34.5% shooting from 3-point distance -- fourth-lowest in the NBA -- and an overall field goal percentage of 46.0% to rank fifth. In each of their last four wins, the Rockets held opponents to 107 points or fewer.