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Forget bouncing back, we'll settle for the Pacers showing a little bounce in their game after displaying zero pep in their collective step in Charlotte on Wednesday. After a day to rest in Houston, the Pacers will need a heavy dose of energy, not to mention efficient execution, when they face the Rockets, a team that is rolling quite nicely right now.
Houston is 13-2 in their last 15 games with an OT loss at Golden State and another loss at the L.A. Clippers. There aren't a lot of impressive W's among the 13 but wins over San Antonio and Miami in the mix validate the lethal level of play Houston has shown during the stretch. Now, the win over Miami was real nice, although the Rockets did about everything they could in the final minute to cough up that W, but LeBron's game-tying attempt bounced after being given the chance by Houston's late meltdown.
Still, this doesn't appear to be the same Rockets team that the Pacers absolutely drubbed in the Fieldhouse back in December. The Pacers displayed a vicious and physical defense, which has been absent of late, and Houston rolled over early instead of trying to fight back. I would expect a far different battle tonight.
Check out the links:
Game Preview: Pacers at Rockets | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Pacers hope to snap mini-slump at Houston | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
Ultimate Rockets " Terrence Jones getting a second wind
Ultimate Rockets " Harden visits rodeo during interview with ESPN’s Hannah Storm
Tim Duncan, Spurs pull away late to topple Heat
Wanting to learn from the best is a bad thing, apparently | 8 Points, 9 Seconds
2014 NBA scores: Gerald Green drops 41 on Thunder, Spurs sizzle Heat - SBNation.com