The Houston Rockets are heading to Indianapolis with some momentum.
Houston sits at 30-17, fourth in the Western Conference, and has won seven of its last 10 games. Saturday night brought another victory, a 111-107 win over Dallas at home that extended their winning streak to two.
Monday night presents a different challenge. The Pacers are waiting at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and the injury report has introduced a significant variable.
Houston’s Leading Scorer On The Injury Report
Kevin Durant is listed out with a left ankle sprain.
It marks just the third missed game of the season for Durant and his first absence due to injury. He has been remarkably durable all year, appearing in 45 of Houston’s 47 games while carrying the offensive load.
KD recently earned his 16th All-Star selection, becoming the oldest Rocket ever named to the game. Only LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant have more All-Star nods in NBA history.
The veteran is averaging 26.2 points on 51 percent shooting with 5.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. His production has been exactly what the Rockets needed.
With a Wednesday matchup against Boston on the horizon, it seems the Rockets are taking a precautionary route with Durant. Josh Okogie, and Dorian Finney-Smith will likely see increased minutes in his absence.
The Rockets Continue Without Key Pieces
Durant is not the only name missing from Houston’s lineup.
Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams remain out for the season. VanVleet is recovering from a right ACL injury. Adams is sidelined following left ankle surgery.
The absences have tested Houston’s depth all season. VanVleet’s ball-handling and playmaking in the half-court have been missed. Adams’ rebounding and interior presence created a void that Alperen Sengun has been forced to fill on his own.
Sengun has played through struggles recently. Against Dallas, he went 6-of-20 from the field and looked limited in his movement. The extended workload in Adams’ absence has worn on him, and Houston may need to rely more heavily on Clint Capela to give Sengun rest.
GettyHead Coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets.
Indiana Has Been Dangerous at Home
The Pacers enter Monday’s matchup as one of the league’s most injured teams, but they have been scrappy at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Tyrese Haliburton remains out after tearing his right Achilles tendon in the Finals last season. Obi Toppin is sidelined with a right foot stress fracture. But the Pacers still have enough to compete.
Indiana may be positioned near the bottom of the standings, but they are proving something. They have won three straight games and five of its last six at home. Teams at this point in the season can be dangerous, especially at home when facing wounded contenders.
Houston will need to match that intensity without Durant on the floor.
Final Word for the Rockets
Monday night in Indianapolis will test whether Houston can sustain momentum without its leading scorer.
The Rockets have dealt with injuries all season. VanVleet and Adams remain out long-term. Sengun has been battling through fatigue. The roster has been forced to adjust constantly.
But that is also why Houston sits fourth in the Western Conference. They have found ways to win when things are not clean. Saturday’s game against Dallas was ugly, but effective. Monday will require more of the same.
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