Houston Rockets vs Indiana Pacers Prediction | 02.02.26

Houston Rockets vs Indiana Pacers Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02-02-2026

Get ready for an intriguing regular-season matchup as the Houston Rockets (30-17) travel to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis to face the struggling Indiana Pacers (13-36) on February 2nd, 2026, at 7:00 PM. This contest pits a surprisingly successful Rockets squad against a Pacers team severely hampered by injuries, promising a battle of resilience and tactical adjustments.

Houston Rockets vs Indiana Pacers Matchup Preview

Houston Rockets Key Stats & Trends

The Houston Rockets arrive with an impressive 30-17 record, defying expectations despite a significant injury list. Their success is largely anchored by the phenomenal play of center Alperen Sengun, who has emerged as a true cornerstone. Sengun is averaging a stellar 21.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, showcasing his elite all-around offensive game. Furthermore, his defensive contributions are notable with 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks per contest. Houston’s ability to maintain a winning record speaks to their depth and strong coaching, adapting to significant absences by running their offense through Sengun’s versatile post-play and passing.

Injury Report Houston Rockets

• Kevin Durant (Out): Durant (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday’s game against the Pacers, a major blow to their scoring and veteran leadership.
• Steven Adams (Out): The Rockets announced Wednesday that Adams has undergone season-ending left ankle surgery, per Shams Charania of ESPN, leaving a void in their interior defense and rebounding.
• Fred VanVleet (Out): VanVleet suffered a torn ACL and may be out for the entire 2025-26 campaign, Shams Charania of ESPN reports, severely impacting their backcourt playmaking and perimeter shooting.

Indiana Pacers Key Stats & Trends

The Indiana Pacers find themselves in a challenging position with a 13-36 record, largely due to key injuries. Pascal Siakam leads their offensive charge, posting 23.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, along with 4.0 assists and 1.1 steals. His ability to create his own shot is crucial for a team lacking primary ball-handlers. Andrew Nembhard has stepped up in a major way, averaging 7.5 assists, trying to fill the massive void in playmaking. Despite Siakam’s strong individual numbers, the team’s overall offensive flow and defensive cohesion have suffered without their floor general.

Injury Report Indiana Pacers

• Obi Toppin (Out): Toppin (foot) is ahead of schedule in his recovery, but coach Rick Carlisle said he doesn’t have a timetable yet, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports, impacting their frontcourt depth and athleticism.
• Tyrese Haliburton (Out): Haliburton said Tuesday in his appearance on the “Mind the Game” podcast that he has resumed taking part in 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 work on the court while he continues to recover from right Achilles surgery. His absence is a critical loss, stripping the Pacers of their primary playmaker and offensive engine.

Houston Rockets vs Indiana Pacers Prediction & Best Bet

Given the extensive injury reports for both teams, this matchup hinges on which squad can better compensate for their absent stars. While the Rockets are without Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams, their 30-17 record suggests a resilient team capable of winning even shorthanded. Alperen Sengun’s all-around brilliance will be the focal point, and he should have a strong outing against a Pacers frontcourt missing Toppin.

The Indiana Pacers, conversely, are reeling at 13-36, primarily due to the season-altering absence of Tyrese Haliburton. Without their orchestrator, the offense becomes predictable, relying heavily on Pascal Siakam’s individual scoring. Andrew Nembhard’s increased assist numbers are commendable, but he cannot fully replicate Haliburton’s impact. The Rockets, even with their own injuries, possess a more balanced attack and a significantly better record. We predict the Houston Rockets to secure a road victory.

Regarding the total points line of 218.5, we lean towards the over. Despite key offensive absences for both sides, Sengun and Siakam are high-usage players who will be forced to carry significant scoring loads. The Pacers’ defense, without Haliburton’s leadership and overall team cohesion, may struggle to contain Houston’s attack. Conversely, the Rockets might find ample opportunities to score against a Pacers team desperate to keep pace. This could lead to a more open, higher-scoring affair than anticipated.