Pacers vs. Rockets Prediction and Odds (Pacers Cover in Rare Spot as Favorites)

Well, what do ya know! Two bad teams squaring off once again. The 23-47 Pacers bring a two-game losing streak into Houston tonight as they take on the 17-52 Rockets at 8:00 p.m. EST.

Houston has won just three times in their last 20 contests and have failed to cover the spread in three straight. Not that Indiana has been much better, winning five times in their last 20, but have covered in two of their last three.

The Pacers toppled the Rockets 118-106 back in December -- will we see a similar result or will Houston take advantage of Indiana's poor defense to notch an upset victory at home?

Let's check out the odds from WynnBET to see who has the edge in this Pacers versus Rockets matchup:

Pacers vs Rockets Odds, Spread and Total

Spread

• Pacers -4 (-110)
• Rockets +4 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Pacers: -170
• Rockets: +140

Total:

• 244 (Over -110/Under -110)

Pacers vs Rockets Prediction and Pick

These are two of the worst defenses in basketball. Houston ranks dead last in defensive rating over their last 15 while Indiana is 28th. The Pacers have given up at least 125 points in four of their last five games and the Rockets have given up at least 123 in four of their last five.

But this is an astronomically high total and I'm a bit worried to just blindly bet the over. Instead I'll rely on a tried and true formula: fading the Rockets.

Houston is 23-39-1 against the spread (ATS) as an underdog and the Pacers have covered in two in a row on the road. I think Tyrese Haliburton will have his way against such a bad defense and with Malcolm Brogdon back in the lineup, Indiana's offense should have more flow to it.

The Pacers have the better roster and are comfortable playing at the fast pace Houston prefers - they'll take advantage of a rare opportunity as favorites and cover the modest number.

Pick: Pacers -4 (-110)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.