With talented third-year guard Tyrese Haliburton leading the way and rookie Ben Mathurin making key contributions, the Indiana Pacers enter this season’s home stretch still within striking distance of the Eastern Conference play-in tournament for the 2023 playoffs.
That’s a template that second-year Jalen Green, rookie Jabari Smith Jr., and the rest of the young and rebuilding Houston Rockets would love to learn from and adopt. With Thursday’s visit to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, they’ll get an up-close look.
The Rockets are likely to be short-handed. Starting point guard Kevin Porter Jr. is out due to a left thigh contusion. That’s the same leg that was compromised due to the left foot contusion that cost Porter seven weeks of action over the past two months.
His absence could provide a larger role for veteran forward Jae’Sean Tate, who often functions as a primary ball-handler and facilitator for Houston’s offense when Porter isn’t on the court.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Thursday, March 9
- Time: 6 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest, NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (15-50)
- Guard: Jae’Sean Tate
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: KJ Martin
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
Indiana Pacers (29-37)
- Guard: Tyrese Haliburton
- Guard: Andrew Nembhard
- Forward: Buddy Hield
- Forward: Jordan Nwora
- Center: Myles Turner
Projected lineups are mostly based on each team’s previous game. The lone exception is Tate in place of Kevin Porter Jr. (doubtful).
Injury reports
Houston’s injury report lists Kevin Porter Jr. (left thigh contusion) as out. Beyond that, the Rockets have rookie guard TyTy Washington and two-way players Darius Days and Trevor Hudgins away from the team while playing for the team’s NBA G League affiliate.
Indiana is listing Kendall Brown (right tibia stress fracture) as out, while Aaron Nesmith (left hip soreness) and Trevelin Queen (G League) are each questionable to play versus the Rockets.
