Rockets Open Seven-Game Homestand with Loss to Pacers

The Houston Rockets dropped their first of a seven-game homestand Tuesday night in a loss to the Indiana Pacers.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets opened their seven-game homestand in a 123-117 loss to the Indiana Pacers Tuesday night. Alperen Şengün followed up his career performance with a team-best 30 points, 16 rebounds, five assists and four steals. But Şengün's play inside the Toyota Center did not come close to Tyrese Haliburton.

 With the Pacers trailing 67-64 at the half, Haliburton scored 13 of Indiana's 37 points during the third quarter. The Pacers held a 101-90 lead entering the fourth quarter. 

The Rockets battled back and came within a point (108-107) with 6:30 left in the final period. Houston outscored the Pacers 9-8 over the next five minutes to take a quick 117-115 lead, but Haliburton's seventh 3-point field goal of the night gave Indiana a 120-117 lead. Haliburton finished the night with 33 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds. 

The Pacers began the night by drilling their first six triples and held an eight-point advantage midway through the first quarter. Indiana's final triple led to a timeout called by Coach Ime Udoka. On the next possession, Sengun's hook shot began a 14-6 run, which turned into the Rockets' first lead of the game (38-26) at the 10:49 mark of the second quarter.

Fred VanVleet finished with 18 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Tari Eason came off the bench and added 16 points and eight rebounds in the loss. 

Rockets guard Fred VanVleet handles the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the second quarter at Toyota Center / Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Dillon Brooks leaves with injury:

Dillon Brooks' night ended early due to an abdominal oblique strain. The injury occurred late in the third quarter, and following the game, Udoka did not have an update on Brooks' status. He played 22 minutes and finished with nine points on 4 of 9 shooting.

Up Next:

The Rockets will continue their seven-game homestand Wednesday night against the struggling Phoenix Suns. They will then welcome the Philadelphia 76ers to Houston on Friday night. Tip-off between the Rockets and Suns is slated for  7:00 p.m. CDT inside the Toyota Center.