NBA · Final

Rockets Edge Pacers in High-Scoring Affair

119

126

Monday, December 29, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · Toyota Center (Houston)

Houston Rockets 126, Indiana Pacers 119, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Indiana Pacers vs Houston Rockets?

Houston Rockets beat Indiana Pacers 126-119 at Toyota Center (Houston) on December 29, 2025.

Who was favored in Indiana Pacers vs Houston Rockets?

Houston Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -625 (about 86% implied). The favorite won.

The Houston Rockets secured a hard-fought victory against the Indiana Pacers, finishing the game with a score of 126 to 119. This matchup was notable not only for its competitive nature but also because it showcased the Rockets' ability to maintain their strong home record, improving to 21-10 overall. Meanwhile, the Pacers continued to struggle, dropping to 6-28 on the season.

The Rockets entered the game with a home record of 20-10 and had shown a mixed form in their last ten games, with a record of 5-5. They were on a two-game winning streak, having recently defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-100 and the Los Angeles Lakers 119-96. Their scoring average at home was 117.7 points per game, while they allowed an average of 114.4 points. In contrast, the Pacers were in dire straits, losing their last eight games and holding a record of 2-8 in their last ten. Their scoring average was significantly lower at 107.9 points, with an average of 117.1 points allowed.

Playing at Toyota Center, the Rockets capitalized on their home-court advantage, where they had a perfect home record of 3-0 in their last three games. The Pacers, on the other hand, struggled on the road with a record of 1-4 in their last five away games. Historically, the Rockets lead the series against the Pacers 1-0 for the current season, having previously beaten them 130-113 in their last meeting on November 21, 2024.

In terms of injuries, the Rockets had several key players listed as day-to-day, including Kevin Durant (ankle), Fred VanVleet (knee), and Steven Adams (ankle). The Pacers also faced challenges, with Tyrese Haliburton listed as day-to-day due to an Achilles injury, while Johnny Furphy was ruled out with a knee injury. The absence of these players could have influenced the game dynamics.

Betting lines from DraftKings indicated that the Rockets were favored to win by 12.5 points, with a total set at 223.5. The odds reflected the disparity in the teams' performances, with the Rockets having a moneyline of -625 and the Pacers at 455.

The game conditions were typical for a late December evening in Houston, with a lively atmosphere at the Toyota Center. Fans were treated to an exciting offensive display, particularly in the fourth quarter, where both teams exchanged baskets in a bid to secure the win. Key scoring plays included a 10-foot step back jumpshot by Ethan Thompson, and a series of free throws by JD Davison that helped the Rockets maintain their lead.

As the game progressed, Quenton Jackson made notable contributions for the Pacers, including a driving layup and several free throws that kept Indiana within striking distance. However, the Rockets' consistent scoring and defensive plays ultimately sealed their victory.

Viewers should have noted the high-scoring nature of the game, with the Rockets averaging 117.7 points at home and the Pacers struggling defensively. The performance of both teams' key players, particularly in the fourth quarter, was crucial in determining the outcome. The Rockets' ability to capitalize on their home advantage and the Pacers' ongoing struggles were evident throughout the match.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	HOU -12.5	223.5 o -105 / u -115	Indiana Pacers +455 · Houston Rockets -625

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
Tyrese HaliburtonDay-To-DayAchillesIndiana Pacers
Johnny FurphyOutKneeIndiana Pacers

Leaders

PointsKevin Durant30Houston Rockets
AssistsAmen Thompson7Houston Rockets
ReboundsJabari Smith Jr.10Houston Rockets
PointsPascal Siakam23Indiana Pacers
AssistsMicah Potter6Indiana Pacers
ReboundsPascal Siakam4Indiana Pacers

Recent form

Houston Rockets

Last 10: 5-5Streak W2117.7 scored · 114.4 allowed per game3-0 at home

W117-100vs Cleveland CavaliersDec 28
W119-96at Los Angeles LakersDec 26
L108-128at LA ClippersDec 24
L124-125at Sacramento KingsDec 22
W115-101at Denver NuggetsDec 20
L128-133at New Orleans PelicansDec 19
L125-128at Denver NuggetsDec 16
W115-113vs LA ClippersDec 12
L109-122at Dallas MavericksDec 7
W117-98vs Phoenix SunsDec 6

Indiana Pacers

Last 10: 2-8Streak L8107.9 scored · 117.1 allowed per game1-4 away

L116-142at Miami HeatDec 28
L122-140vs Boston CelticsDec 27
L94-111vs Milwaukee BucksDec 24
L95-103at Boston CelticsDec 23
L109-128at New Orleans PelicansDec 21
L113-114vs New York KnicksDec 19
L89-108vs Washington WizardsDec 14
L105-115at Philadelphia 76ersDec 13
W116-105vs Sacramento KingsDec 9
W120-105at Chicago BullsDec 6

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Detroit	-	22	W3	.732	60
Cleveland	8	30	W1	.634	52
Milwaukee	28	50	L1	.390	32
Chicago	29	51	L2	.378	31
Indiana	41	63	L2	.232	19
San Antonio	-	20	L1	.756	62
Houston	10	30	W1	.634	52
New Orleans	36	56	L2	.317	26
Dallas	36	56	W1	.317	26
Memphis	37	57	L8	.305	25

Box score

Stat	Indiana Pacers	Houston Rockets
Field goals	44-88	49-83
Field goal %	50	59
Three-pointers	18-34	10-27
Three-point %	53	37
Free throws	13-20	18-24
Free throw %	65	75
Rebounds	29	50
Offensive rebounds	7	14
Defensive rebounds	22	36
Assists	30	21
Steals	12	4
Blocks	3	6
Turnovers	9	16
Team turnovers	0	3
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	12	37
Fast-break points	26	4
Points in the paint	46	56
Fouls	22	17
Largest lead	2	28
Lead changes	5	5
Time in front	2	96

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter76-91Pascal Siakam makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter76-94Reed Sheppard makes 27-foot three point jumper (Amen Thompson assists)
3rd Quarter76-96Clint Capela makes two point shot
3rd Quarter76-98Reed Sheppard makes 6-foot two point shot
3rd Quarter76-100Jabari Smith Jr. makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
3rd Quarter76-102Amen Thompson makes 12-foot step back jumpshot
3rd Quarter78-102Jarace Walker makes 4-foot driving floating jump shot (T.J. McConnell assists)
3rd Quarter78-105Dorian Finney-Smith makes 28-foot three point step back jumpshot (Kevin Durant assists)
4th Quarter81-105Johnny Furphy makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jarace Walker assists)
4th Quarter81-107Clint Capela makes 6-foot two point shot (Reed Sheppard assists)
4th Quarter83-107Kam Jones makes 5-foot two point shot (T.J. McConnell assists)
4th Quarter85-107Jarace Walker makes 18-foot step back jumpshot (Micah Potter assists)
4th Quarter85-109Reed Sheppard makes 12-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter87-109Jarace Walker makes 9-foot driving floating jump shot (Johnny Furphy assists)
4th Quarter89-109Johnny Furphy makes running layup (Kam Jones assists)
4th Quarter89-111Jabari Smith Jr. makes two point shot
4th Quarter91-111T.J. McConnell makes 2-foot two point shot (Micah Potter assists)
4th Quarter93-111Kam Jones makes 2-foot two point shot
4th Quarter93-113Jabari Smith Jr. makes two point shot
4th Quarter93-114Amen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter93-115Amen Thompson makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter94-115Pascal Siakam makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter94-117Kevin Durant makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot (Amen Thompson assists)
4th Quarter96-117Pascal Siakam makes 5-foot two point shot
4th Quarter98-117Aaron Nesmith makes 3-foot driving dunk (Bennedict Mathurin assists)
4th Quarter101-117Bennedict Mathurin makes 23-foot running jump shot (Aaron Nesmith assists)
4th Quarter101-119Jae'Sean Tate makes driving layup
4th Quarter101-122Tari Eason makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jae'Sean Tate assists)
4th Quarter104-122Taelon Peter makes 24-foot running jump shot (Micah Potter assists)
4th Quarter106-122Micah Potter makes 7-foot two point shot (Ethan Thompson assists)
4th Quarter107-122Micah Potter makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter107-124Jeff Green makes 4-foot two point shot (JD Davison assists)
4th Quarter109-124Ethan Thompson makes 10-foot step back jumpshot (Micah Potter assists)
4th Quarter109-125JD Davison makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter109-126JD Davison makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter112-126Taelon Peter makes 26-foot three point jumper (Micah Potter assists)
4th Quarter115-126Quenton Jackson makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Micah Potter assists)
4th Quarter116-126Quenton Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter117-126Quenton Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter119-126Quenton Jackson makes driving layup