Houston Rockets vs Indiana Pacers Betting Pick & Prediction 3/4/25
In a non-conference matchup, the Pacers (-152) are favored by 3.5 points over the Rockets (+128). The over/under line is set at 230 points.
This game will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 ET and can be seen on SCHN.
HOUSTON ROCKETS VS INDIANA PACERS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Indiana Pacers -3.5
This game will be played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 7:00 ET on Tuesday, March 4th.
WHY BET THE INDIANA PACERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 133-116 in favor of the Pacers.
- Our projections have Pascal Siakam finishing with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists.
- From the field, we have the Pacers finishing with a field goal percentage of 49.5% and knocking down 15 threes.
Can Houston Lock in a Road Win?
Houston’s record dropped to 37-24 after a 137-128 loss to the Thunder on Monday. The Rockets were +14 point underdogs but managed to keep the game closer than expected. The total score of 265 points went well over the 228.5-point line.
A key moment came when the Thunder went on a 13-0 run, stretching the score from 68-67 to 81-67. Houston fell behind 102-89 going into the 4th but outscored the Thunder 39-35 in the final quarter.
In their 137-128 loss to the Thunder, the Rockets shot 48.5% from the field and connected on 16 threes at a 45.7% clip. Cam Whitmore led the way with 27 points and 11 rebounds, hitting 4 threes at 66.7% efficiency.
Reed Sheppard added 25 points, including 14 in the 4th quarter, and made 3 threes. Jalen Green contributed 18 points, scoring 6 points in each of the first three quarters.
The Rockets struggled defensively against the Thunder, giving up 137 points in the loss. They allowed 30 points in the 1st quarter, 33 in the 2nd, 39 in the 3rd, and 35 in the 4th. Oklahoma City shot 49% from the field.
Houston also had trouble defending the three, with the Thunder hitting 17 threes at a 45% rate. The Rockets sent the Thunder to the line 27 times, where they made 24 free throws. Houston finished with 34 defensive rebounds but allowed 14 offensive boards. They added 8 steals and 7 blocks.
Can Indiana Live Up to the Hype at Home?
With a 127-112 win over the Bulls on Sunday, the Pacers improved to 34-25 this season. Indiana, playing at home, was favored by 11.5 points and covered the spread. The combined score of 239 points fell just under the total line of 240.
Indiana took control in the 4th quarter, holding the Bulls to 20 points while scoring 32. They led 95-92 going into the final period but outscored Chicago 32-20 to close out the game.
The Pacers put up 127 points in their win over the Bulls, shooting 55.2% from the field. They connected on 19 threes at a 43.2% rate.
Aaron Nesmith hit 6 threes, finishing with 27 points, including 13 in the 3rd quarter. Tyrese Haliburton added 17 points and 12 assists, while Pascal Siakam contributed 20 points.
Despite a shaky start, the Pacers tightened up defensively in the 2nd half, giving up just 45 points in the 3rd and 4th quarters to secure a 127-112 win over the Bulls. Indiana allowed 31 points in the 1st quarter and 36 in the 2nd but held Chicago to 25 points in the 3rd and 20 in the 4th.
The Pacers did well defending the three, holding the Bulls to 10 made threes on 30% shooting. They also sent Chicago to the line 18 times, where they made 14 free throws. Indiana finished with 31 defensive rebounds, allowed 12 offensive boards, and added 7 steals and 4 blocks.