Pacers vs Houston Live: Rockets without Durant face surging Indiana in Indianapolis

The first quarter is already bristling with pace and physicality as Pacers vs Houston Live tips off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. With Kevin Durant sidelined, Houston is leaning on Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson to carry the early load, while Indiana rides hot perimeter shooting from Aaron Nesmith and steady creation from Andrew Nembhard. Status: Live — Monday, February 2, 2026 (local U.S. date).

Score & Status — Pacers vs Houston Live

• Status: Live (Q1, ~6:49)

• Score: Indiana Pacers 14–13 Houston Rockets

• Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

Kickoff (Time Zones)

• USA (ET) — Monday, Feb 2, 7:00 PM

• USA (PT) — Monday, Feb 2, 4:00 PM

• Canada (Toronto) — Monday, Feb 2, 7:00 PM

• UK (London) — Tuesday, Feb 3, 12:00 AM

Live Timeline (Key Moments)

• 11:59 Q1 — Tip goes up; Indiana opens in man-to-man, Houston hunts early post touches for Şengün.

• 9:46 Q1 — Nembhard drills a pull-up three from the top to level it 6–6.

• 9:10 Q1 — Şengün keeps the possession alive with an offensive board and tip-in, Rockets back in front 8–6.

• 8:50 Q1 — Nesmith splashes a pull-up three (assist: Siakam), Indiana 9–8.

• 8:24 Q1 — Nembhard at the stripe, 2-of-2; Pacers nudge ahead 11–8.

• 8:09 Q1 — Şengün absorbs contact, completes the and-1 to knot it 11–11.

• 7:14 Q1 — Nesmith again from deep (assist: Nembhard) as the hosts reclaim a narrow edge, 14–13.

• 6:52 Q1 — Isaiah Jackson swats a Şengün hook; rim protection arriving just in time for Indiana.

Standout Performers & Turning Points

• Aaron Nesmith — Two early triples have stretched Houston’s shell and forced longer closeouts, a key pressure point with Durant out.

• Alperen Şengün — Establishing deep position and crashing the glass; already at multiple paint scores plus an and-1.

• Andrew Nembhard — Mixing pull-up shooting with foul pressure, balancing Indiana’s half-court flow.

• Defensive spark — Jackson’s block at 6:52 halted Houston’s mini-surge and fed Indiana’s transition confidence.

Lineups & Shape (if confirmed)

Indiana are leaning into pace-and-space around Pascal Siakam, with Nembhard steering and Nesmith/Matherin (staggered) providing the wing gravity. Houston’s offense is funneling through Šengün on the block and elbow actions, with Thompson and Reed Sheppard probing gaps and lifting the tempo in the open floor.

Match Stats (early snapshot)

(Early game flow; official tallies to settle as Q1 progresses.)

What It Means — Pacers vs Houston Live

This is a compelling temperature check for both teams. Indiana came in riding improved form at home and needs every win to keep the climb going in the East. Houston, second night in the spotlight without Durant, is testing its depth and offensive balance; how the Rockets manufacture late-clock shot creation will be pivotal. If the Pacers keep winning the three-point volume game, they can pressure Houston into more switching mismatches; if the Rockets continue to pound the paint and win the rebounding margin, they’ll control tempo and whistles. Either way, Pacers vs Houston Live is shaping up to hinge on which side dictates the shot profile.

For Upcoming Matches (preview mode only)

• Form (last 5): Pacers (W-W-L-W-L) vs Rockets (W-W-L-W-W)

• Injuries/Suspensions: Durant (ankle) out; Pacers still without Tyrese Haliburton this season.

• Prediction: With Durant unavailable, Houston’s path is defense-first and interior scoring; Indiana’s route is perimeter volume and turnovers forced. Lean: narrow Pacers edge at home if the threes keep falling; Rockets if Şengün’s usage translates to free throws and assist chains.

As Q1 rolls on, expect Indiana to keep screening for shooters while Siakam targets switches, and Houston to double down on elbow actions for Şengün with weak-side cutting. We’ll keep tracking momentum swings as Pacers vs Houston Live unfolds.