Rockets vs Pacers NBA Picks
The Houston Rockets bounced back on Wednesday night by pounding the Chicago Bulls 109-94. The Indiana Pacers will look to bounce back after losing two in a row. Including a heartbreaking loss to the Miami Heat on December 18th. [ad-4468020]
Houston Rockets (17-9) @ Indiana pacers (20-5)
When: December 20th, 2013, 8:00 PM ET
Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Broadcast: ESPN
Odds: Indiana -5.5
O/U: 197.5
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The Indiana Pacers are the best team in the Eastern Conference at 20-5 and on paper they look to only be getting better. Danny Granger is set to make his season debut on Friday night versus the Houston Rockets. More than likely, he won’t make a major impact on Friday’s game, but it is something to keep in mind as the season progresses. He may play a bigger role down the line.
This is an intriguing game because it’s strength on strength. It’s the number 1 defense in the NBA versus the 2nd best offense in the NBA. The Indiana Pacers only give up 90.2 points per game; only allow 41.5% of field goal shots, and only allow 33.57% on three point attempts.
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Compared to Houston, Houston is the 24th best defense in the league – or if you prefer 6th worst defense in the NBA – Houston allows 101.9 points per game.
Houston’s strength is their offense. Again, the Rockets are the second best offense in the NBA as they score 107.1 points per game. The Rockets make 47% of their field goal shots, and, as you might expect with Dwight Howard clogging the paint, the Rockets own the 2nd best rebound margin in the NBA at 4.81.
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On the flip side, the Indiana Pacers aren’t the most explosive offense in the NBA. Indiana is 20th best in the NBA scoring 97.6 points per game, and with Danny Granger coming back this should improve – or at least that’s what the Pacers will be hoping for.
So, this is an intriguing game to watch. A lot of different questions. Will Danny Granger make an immediate impact on the floor? Will the Indiana Pacers tenacious defense control the game or will the explosive Houston Rockets run up and down the floor? It’ll be interesting to see which philosophy wins out in Friday’s game.
Some stats to consider:
Indiana Pacers are 11-1 straight up at home while the Houston Rockets are 6-6 on the road and 2-3 in this last 5 road games straight up. All in all, the Pacers winning straight up at home looks like a lock. Chances are the Pacers won’t lose three in a row. The Pacers are back at home, have a great defense and should win.
Usually, you want to take the defensive teams and as the old saying goes defense wins championships. It might not be a championship game, but nevertheless I like the Pacers’ defense in this game.
Depending on how big of a favorite they are that might be the best pick. If the Pacers are 4 maybe even as high as 5 point favorites or lower I’d roll with that.
