Houston RocketsOpen full analysis
Indiana PacersOpen full analysis
Houston's Alperen Sengun erupted for 39 points to lead the Rockets past Indiana 118–114 on February 2 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a low-scoring affair that finished well under the 218.5 Vegas total. Sengun's dominance anchored Houston's offensive efficiency (118.9 rating), while Jalen Smith Jr. added 19 points off the bench. The Rockets' second quarter proved decisive—they outscored the Pacers 39–28 in that frame to seize control, though Houston's 15 turnovers and 46% field-goal percentage indicated sloppier execution than ideal. Indiana countered with balanced scoring from Pascal Siakam (27 points) and Bennedict Mathurin (25 points) and shot a respectable 49.4% from the field while forcing seven steals, but couldn't overcome a 23-rebound deficit (Houston grabbed 56 to Indiana's 33). The Pacers held a 33–21 assist advantage and managed 10 steals of their own, yet their defensive rating of 118.9 proved insufficient. This road victory keeps Houston's momentum intact as the Rockets continue jockeying for playoff positioning.
