The Friday NBA preseason schedule will get underway with a matchup between the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers from Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Rockets (20-62) ranked last in the league in defensive efficiency and are rebuilding around number two overall draft pick Jalen Green. On Monday, Houston turned the ball over 25 times during a 118-110 road loss against Miami.
Houston G Jalen Green led all scorers with 25 points on 7-for-18 shooting and dished out five assists. Kevin Porter Jr. added 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the Rockets.
The Indiana Pacers pressed the reset button last year and will look to reshape a defense that surrendered 114.9 points per game. On Wednesday, Indiana outscored New York by 15 points during the second half of a 109-100 home victory. The Pacers (25-57) assisted on 26 of their 41 made field goals and shot 48 percent overall.'
Rookie G Bennedict Mathurin converted 11 of 12 free throws and finished with a game-high 27 points off the Indiana bench. Andrew Nembhard contributed 15 points and nine assists for the Pacers.
Free NBA Pick:
OVER