Houston Rockets Open Preseason With Win Over Indiana Pacers

With their first game under coach Ime Udoka, the Houston Rockets opened their five-game preseason schedule with a win over the Indiana Pacers.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets opened their five-game preseason schedule in a 122-103 win over the Indiana Pacers Tuesday night, inside the Toyota Center.

Coach Ime Udoka mentioned during Monday's practice that the goal for the first two exhibition matches is to implement the intangibles they have been working on since their four-day training camp session in Lake Charles.

Udoka's decision led to four of the five projected starters playing over 20 minutes. Alperen Sengun played an all-around game by recording a team-best 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks. 

Jabari Smith Jr. finished the game with 14 points on 4-of-8 shooting and eight rebounds. Jalen Green, who led the team in scoring last season averaging 22.1 points, finished with 11 points, three rebounds and two assists. 

Fred VanVleet started at point guard. During his debut, VanVleet scored 10 points while adding four assists.

After trailing 31-29, the Rockets outscored the Pacers by seven points during the second period. Houston received a boost from Jae'Sean Tate off the bench. He scored seven points in the second quarter, which led to nine points and three rebounds in the win. Tari Eason added 11 points and eight rebounds as Houston's sixth man.

Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) shoots the ball as Indiana Pacers forward Bruce Brown (11) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center / Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore were impressive off the bench:

The 2023 rookie class made its NBA debut against the Pacers. Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore had an impressive outing off the bench. Thompson shot 1-for-9 from the field but finished with seven points, nine rebounds and three assists. Whitmore, who recorded three dunks, finished the game with 15 points.

Dillon Brooks ejected: 

Dillon Brooks' debut with the Rockets lasted 4 minutes and 33 seconds. Officials ejected Brooks after determining that he hit Daniel Theis in the groin and was assessed a flagrant two foul.

Up Next:

The Rockets will play their next preseason game in Birmingham for an exhibition match against the New Orleans Pelicans Thursday night. They will then travel to San Antonio for a two-game preseason series against the Spurs. Tip-off is slated for 7 P.M. CT.