Indiana Pacers will face Houston Rockets in the opening match today. Here we look at the Match Preview and TV Schedule for the game.
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NBA restart journey has been a roller coaster ride for NBA franchises, the seeding games are in its final days as we move forward for the playoffs. Pacers and Rockets are still not clear about their seeding with only two games left for both teams before the post-season.
Rockets’ 105- 114 defeat against Spurs yesterday secured No.3 seed for the Nuggets in the West. A win for Rockets (44 wins) today will secure the fourth spot for the,. OKC Thunder, Jazz, and Mavericks with 43 wins apiece are in the race for the fourth spot too.
Both teams will go in the match with a similar record (4-2 in the bubble). The two sides have lost their previous game, Rockets lost to Spurs and Heat defeated Pacers.
A win would be of paramount importance tonight, as both teams will be up against it in the playoffs and need some confidence before they get there.
Where to watch Pacers vs Rockets on TV and Online?
The game is scheduled at 4:00 PM (ET) and can be watched on the following platforms:
- NBA TV (Accessed through NBA League Pass)
- TV: AT&T Sportsnet – Southwest
- Fox Sports Indiana
- ESPN
NBA TV can be viewed via the NBA League Pass, which can be bought from the NBA website or mobile application.
back in action today 🙌
🆚: @HoustonRockets
📍: Orlando, FL
🕖: 4:00 p.m. ET
📺: @FSIndiana | @NBATV
📻: @1075thefan
📊: https://t.co/vKGotPusnP#INDvsHOU pic.twitter.com/YaYmudLyWl— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) August 12, 2020
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Pacers vs Rockets Preview
No.5 seed Pacers and No.4 seed Heat are only separated by one game and they are likely to finish this way only, Pacers will end their campaign against Heat and will most likely face them in the playoffs first round too.
Pacers’ T.J. Warren has been among the top performers in the bubble. In the last five matches, he has averaged 34.8 points with 60.5% shooting from the field. Victor Oladipo’s performances have played an important role in the bubble too. The duo has the capability to destroy any side and their healthy contributions can take Pacers deep into the playoffs.
Read More: How many courts are in the NBA Bubble: Complete Orlando Bubble Courts information
Rockets heavily rely on their star players, James Harden, Austin Rivers, and Russell Westbrook. They have lived up to the expectations but the team must not rely on the big guns completely and will want the reserves to step up when needed too.
Harden was rested in the previous game against Spurs. The side lost 105-123 with Russell scoring 20 points, which was the highest among the team. The side needs to find more players to score on the offensive end, if they want to seriously challenge for that NBA title.
If the trio starts for Rockets, they are the clear favorites for today’s game but with T.J. Warren firing, Pacers will give Rockets a tough fight.
The probable lineup for Pacers
Victor Oladipo
T.J. Warren
Aaron Holiday
Myles Turner
Justin Holiday
The probable lineup for Magic
James Harden
Austin Rivers
Russell Westbrook
Jeff Green
Robert Covington