Rockets at Pacers (March 9): Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet
Led by talented third-year guard Tyrese Haliburton and with key contributions by rookie Bennedict Mathurin, the Indiana Pacers (29-37) 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 (15-50) would love to learn from and adopt as they build for the future. With Thursday’s visit to Indiana, they’ll get a very up-close look.
If you’re looking to do last-minute betting research for Thursday’s Pacers-Rockets game, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.
The game starts at 6 p.m. Central and can be seen via AT&T SportsNet Southwest (in Houston markets) or on NBA League Pass.
Grab Your BetMGM Bonus Code Offer Now
Tap BET NOW to sign up today. Use bonus code SBWIRE. Must be 21+ to participate. Offer not available in New York. Must be present in a state where BetMGM legally operates. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Terms and Conditions apply.The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
- Point spread: Pacers -9.5
- Money line: Pacers -450 / Rockets +350
- Over-under: 235.5
Rockets at Pacers injury report:
- Rockets: Kevin Porter Jr. out (thigh contusion)
- Pacers: Kendall Brown out (right tibia stress fracture), Aaron Nesmith questionable (left hip soreness), Trevelin Queen questionable (G League)
Advice and prediction
Haliburton and the Pacers are still playing for a potential berth in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament, while the Rockets are already eliminated out West. In addition to having less incentive, Houston will also be without its usual starting point guard in Porter.
The Rockets are 3-18 (.143) without Porter this season, which equates to a win pace of less than 12 games over a full 82-game campaign. That’s not a great formula to be competitive on the road against a heavily incentivized team like Indiana, which also features a handful of proven veterans like Myles Turner and Buddy Hield.
Prediction: Pacers 121, Rockets 110
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
