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Road Warriors: Houston, We Have a Problem

By Jesse Smith

INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 9: Center Hakeem Olajuwon #34 of the Houston Rockets backs into Antonio Davis #33 of the Indiana Pacers in an attempt to gain post position during their game on November 9, 1994 at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Rockets defeated the Pacers 109-104. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 9: Center Hakeem Olajuwon #34 of the Houston Rockets backs into Antonio Davis #33 of the Indiana Pacers in an attempt to gain post position during their game on November 9, 1994 at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Rockets defeated the Pacers 109-104. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The Road Warriors series will be highlighting the Indiana Pacers road trips and how they have fared historically in opposing arenas. This time, we have a short trip to Houston to break down.

The Indiana Pacers moved to 8-5 with the victory over the Miami Heat on Friday in South Beach.  The game was littered with questionable officiating, namely on the ejection of Thaddeus Young.  Nevertheless, the Blue and Gold used a 33-21 third quarter to win in hostile territory 110-102, their highest point total in the last seven games.  The offense was balanced with five players (Oladipo, Bogdanovic, Sabonis, Collison, and Joseph) scoring 14 or more points.  They made the right plays when they needed to and stuck to the Pacers brand of basketball.

Their next opponent was a Chris Paul injury from downing the Golden State Warriors last season.  The Pacers travel to Houston to take on the Rockets, who they have not had great fortunes against historically. According to Land of Basketball, this will be the 93rd meeting between the two franchises in the regular season, with the Pacers holding a 37-55 record all-time.  While in Houston, the Pacers have posted an abysmal 13-33 record. Woof. The Pacers were swept last year after sweeping the Rockets in 2016-2017.  Their last win in Houston was in that season, a game in which Jeff Teague dropped 25 points, including 12 from the free throw line.

The Pacers have already played the Rockets this season – just last Monday – in a 94-98 defeat at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.  Victor Oladipo went toe to toe with MVP James Harden, each scoring 28 points.  In the end, Harden proved too lethal from beyond the arc late.  Expect a similar game to the one played on Monday, but with the inclusion of Indianapolis native Eric Gordon. The Rockets are on a back-to-back and are having consistency issues. But given the Pacers struggles defending the perimeter, this could be the game the Rockets’ “shoot first ask questions later” offense will click.  Yes, expect lots of scoring from them, but also expect a lot of ball movement.  Harden and Paul combined are averaging 16.5 assists per game.  Domantas Sabonis is listed as questionable with an ankle sprain and Oladipo has been removed from the injury report after his bruised knee.  This will be a very tough one for the Indiana Pacers to win.

Prediction: Rockets win 110-97

Next. Someone please pass Doug McDermott the ball. dark

What’s in Town?

The international quilt festival will be taking place all weekend in H-Town. It’s just $9 to see some of the worlds best quilts, so check that out if you’re in the area. Disney on ice is in town as well, which is suitable for all ages.  The Hobby Center for Performing Arts is showing The Phantom of the Opera, which is fantastic regardless of the venue.

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