GAME PREVIEW
Top storylines as Rockets look to rebound in battle with Pacers
Nov 19, 2024, 4:27 pm
The Rockets host the Pacers on Wednesday night. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.
The Houston Rockets aim to extend their impressive five-game home winning streak as they host the Indiana Pacers. The Rockets have thrived at Toyota Center, holding a 6-2 home record and sitting fourth in the Western Conference standings.
The Rockets' dominance in the paint has been a cornerstone of their success, ranking third in the Western Conference with 53.3 points per game in the paint. Alperen Şengün continues to lead the way inside, averaging 17.5 points and 11.6 points in the paint.
On the other hand, the Pacers have struggled on the road, posting a 2-6 record away from Indiana. Defense remains a challenge, with the Pacers surrendering 117.6 points per game and being outscored by 3.2 points on average this season. Tyrese Haliburton leads Indiana, contributing 16.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
Both teams rely heavily on their three-point shooting. Houston averages 11.7 made threes per game, while Indiana allows 13.1. Meanwhile, the Pacers are hitting 12.6 threes per game, slightly outpacing the Rockets’ perimeter defense.
Recent Form
- Rockets: Houston is 7-3 in its last 10 games, averaging 115.1 points per game while holding opponents to 105.6 points on 46.0% shooting.
- Pacers: Indiana has gone 5-5 in its last 10, scoring 115.9 points but allowing 117.7 points per game on 48.7% opponent shooting.
Injury Report
- Rockets: Cam Whitmore (day-to-day, knee).
- Pacers: Myles Turner (day-to-day, calf), Aaron Nesmith (out, ankle), Andrew Nembhard (out, knee), Isaiah Jackson (out, calf), James Wiseman (out, calf), Ben Sheppard (day-to-day, oblique).
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The Astros closed out their latest road trip with a winning record, a feat made more impressive considering the turbulence at the back of the rotation. Brandon Walter and Ryan Gusto both endured rough outings, with Walter in particular getting tagged hard. Still, Houston salvaged the finale, thanks largely to Mauricio Dubón’s breakout performance. The utilityman launched two home runs to power an offense that’s quietly been heating up for weeks.
But even with a solid finish, not everything is trending upward.
Josh Hader, who’s been one of the game’s most reliable closers this season, has begun to show signs of vulnerability. He’s allowed a home run in three of his last six outings. While his overall numbers remain strong, the long ball—a problem that plagued him last year—is starting to creep back into the picture.
As the Astros return home, the schedule offers no breather. They’ll face the Phillies and Cubs before a brief trip to Colorado to take on the struggling Rockies. After that comes a marquee series against the defending champion Dodgers in Los Angeles. With three of their next four opponents being legitimate World Series threats, the coming stretch looms large.
Can the bats keep pace?
If the last month is any indication, the Astros have reason to feel optimistic. Christian Walker has started to show signs of life after a quiet start to the season, hitting .260 with a .762 OPS and five home runs over the past 30 days. José Altuve has been scorching with a .302 average and .901 OPS in that span, while Jeremy Peña has taken things to another level, batting .384 with a 1.009 OPS.
As a team, the Astros rank 7th in OPS, 5th in runs, 3rd in batting average, and 7th in home runs over the last 30 days. It’s a surge that’s come at the right time—and one they’ll need to sustain.
The injury picture is also starting to shift in Houston’s favor.
Cristian Javier threw a 20-pitch live BP today in West Palm Beach. According to Joe Espada, he was up to 95 mph.
Luis Garcia should throw a live BP next week.
Spencer Arrighetti is still not throwing off a mound yet.
Yordan Alvarez has not resumed hitting.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) June 20, 2025
Joe Espada told The Athletic's Chandler Rome that Christian Javier recently threw a live batting practice session, touching 95 mph as he continues his return from Tommy John surgery. JP France has thrown multiple live BPs and could be ready to help if things continue to progress with his shoulder. Luis Garcia, however, remains further away despite undergoing surgery more than two years ago. He's expected to throw a live BP this week.
Spencer Arrighetti (thumb) should be able to return in August, and Lance McCullers has resumed throwing and is currently on the 15-day IL with a foot sprain.
The Astros are winning. The offense is rolling. The reinforcements are on the way. But with a brutal stretch looming, the team’s margin for error is about to be put to the test.
There's so much more to cover! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.
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