Indiana Pacers vs Houston Rockets Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 29 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Indiana Pacers and the Houston Rockets will face each other at the Toyota Center in Texas on Monday. This will be their first meeting of the season as both teams enter the matchup with contrasting results.

In their previous outing, the Rockets picked up a 117–100 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, while the Pacers were handed a heavy 142–116 loss by the Miami Heat.

The victory kept Houston (19–10) in fifth place in the Western Conference, while Indiana (6–26) remained rooted to the bottom of the East following the defeat.

This matchup also brings together two extremes, with Houston looking to protect its strong 9–2 home record against an Indiana team that has struggled on the road, managing just one win in 15 games.

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Indiana Pacers vs Houston Rockets Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction

Moneyline: Pacers +625, Rockets -950

Spread: Pacers +14.5 (-115), Rockets -14.5 (-105)

Total over/under (o/u): Pacers o221.5 (-110), Rockets u221.5 (-110)

*Editor's note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off*

Indiana Pacers vs Houston Rockets preview

The Indiana Pacers come into this matchup in a tough spot, holding the league’s worst record and riding an eight-game losing streak. After reaching the Finals last season, they’ve struggled for consistency this year and are one of just two teams in the East yet to win 10 games.

Their lack of success this season has shown on both ends of the floor. The Pacers own the second-worst offense in the league, scoring just 109.8 ppg. Defensively, they haven’t fared much better, ranking in the bottom 10 while giving up 119.2 ppg.

Pascal Siakam has been their best player this season, averaging 23.4 ppg and 6.8 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Bennedict Mathurin has provided support with 18.5 ppg but has only featured in 21 games so far.

On the other hand, the Houston Rockets come into this matchup with momentum after picking up back-to-back wins and responding well to a brief two-game skid. They’ve been one of the stronger teams in the Western Conference and will be eager to close out 2025 with a victory.

Unlike their opponents, the Rockets have been dominant on both ends of the court. They boast the third-best defense in the league, averaging 111.7 ppg, and collect the most rebounds at 48.8 per contest. Their offense, meanwhile, is recording 120.3 ppg, the fifth-best mark in the NBA.

Kevin Durant remains their primary scorer, averaging 25.2 ppg. However, Alperen Sengun has been their go-to player on both ends, recording 22.7 ppg, 9.4 rpg and 6.8 apg.

Both teams will be without key players for the matchup, though the Pacers are dealing with the bigger hit. Indiana will be without Isaiah Jackson, Ben Sheppard, Obi Toppin, and Tyrese Haliburton, while T.J. McConnell and Jay Huff remain questionable.

Houston also has injury concerns of its own, with Alperen Sengun potentially unavailable and Fred VanVleet continuing to games.

Indiana Pacers vs Houston Rockets predicted starting fives

Indiana Pacers predicted starting five

PG- Andrew Nembhard, SG- Bennedict Mathurin, SF- Aaron Nesmith, PF- Pascal Siakam, C- Micah Potter

Houston Rockets predicted starting five

PG- Amen Thompson, SG- Reed Sheppard, SF- Kevin Durant, PF- Jabari Smith Jr., C- Steven Adams

Indiana Pacers vs Houston Rockets betting tips

Benedict Mathurin is expected to score over 17.5 points. He is averaging 18.5 ppg this season.

Kevin Durant is projected to score over 25.5 points following his 30-point outing. He is averaging 25.2 ppg.

Pascal Siakam is expected to collect over 5.5 rebounds. He is averaging 6.8 rebounds per game.

Indiana Pacers vs Houston Rockets prediction

The Houston Rockets are heavy -14.5 favorites against the spread. This is mainly due to their better overall record and the Pacers' eight-game losing streak. That said, the Rockets should earn an easy victory on Monday.

Prediction: Rockets to win by 7 points or more.

Edited by Arian Kashyap