Monday’s NBA schedule features an intriguing cross-conference matchup as the Indiana Pacers take on the Houston Rockets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Pacers, with a season record of 13-36, are riding a wave of momentum after securing consecutive victories, including a recent 129-124 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. In contrast, the Rockets, boasting a strong 30-17 record, have excelled lately, winning four out of their last five games, most recently triumphing 111-107 over the Dallas Mavericks.
A key player absence for Houston is Kevin Durant, who is sidelined due to an ankle injury. This puts additional pressure on the Rockets as they aim to maintain their strong performance. The Pacers and Rockets faced each other earlier this season, with Houston winning that match.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with Houston entering as a 6.5-point favorite. The over/under for the game is set at 218.5, while the money line shows the Rockets at -261 and the Pacers at +211. Those considering placing bets on this matchup can also find valuable insights from the SportsLine Projection Model, which has a strong track record of predicting NBA outcomes.
The SportsLine model has simulated this matchup 10,000 times and anticipates that the total points will surpass the 218.5 mark. Historical data shows that three of the last four encounters in Indianapolis between these teams have gone over this threshold, averaging an impressive 240.3 combined points. Furthermore, Indiana has successfully covered the spread in three of its last four games.
With Houston missing significant players like Steven Adams alongside Durant, the team’s ability to score may still remain intact, particularly against a Pacers defense that ranks 25th in points allowed per game. The SportsLine model forecasts a solid likelihood of the total exceeding expectations, with over 65% of the simulations hitting above the over/under line.
For those interested in making informed bets, the advice from SportsLine regarding which side of the spread to back is worth considering, given its history of yielding significant returns to bettors. As the Pacers look to build on their recent success, and the Rockets aim to maintain their winning streak, fans can expect an exciting matchup tonight in Indianapolis.