Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers preseason game preview

The Rockets didn’t look particularly sharp in their opening game against the Memphis Grizzlies. In fact, they were probably second-best through one half. This is incredibly telling, since struggles this early should shift Daryl Morey’s focus back to the phone lines to try to trade for Jimmy Butler. It’s not time to panic, but it’s definitely time to think about the time to panic.

Just kidding. It’s preseason and none of this really matters.

What’s actually telling is how everyone looked. No one seemed out of shape outside of the usual rust that comes from not playing organized basketball since April or May. Don’t mind the eight turnovers for James Harden. He’ll clean up most of that and the rest is acceptable in an offense that demands that he create at least 50% of Houston’s offense. Gerald Green will have other nights where he goes 2-11, but not many. On the flip side, we may have seen Michael Carter-Williams’s best game as a pro since he won Rookie of the Year.

Tonight the Rockets are back in an NBA arena after Drake and Migos finished at Toyota Center. They will take on the up-and-coming Indiana Pacers who will attempt to build on their success from last season. P.J. Tucker, Nene, and Clint Capela are questionable with minor aches and pains.

Tip-off is at 7pm CT on NBA TV