October 25, 2026 at 5:08 AM UTC

Pregame Analysis

Rockets Look to Sweep Hawks After Early Win in Atlanta

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Houston seeks a second straight win over Atlanta, this time on its home floor.

Houston arrives at home 3-0 and carrying fresh evidence that it can handle Atlanta. On Oct. 24, the Rockets won 121-114 in Atlanta, handing the Hawks their first loss of the season and moving them to 2-1. The rematch comes quickly, and the Rockets have a clear blueprint to follow.

The scoring balance stands out. Kevin Durant led Houston with 22 points, while Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason each added 19. Sheppard did much of his damage from deep, hitting five threes. Having a veteran scorer and two younger contributors all producing gives the Rockets several ways to answer if Atlanta changes its defensive approach.

The bigger problem for Atlanta is the way the first game was lost. The Hawks went 12 of 45 from three-point range, a poor night that left them chasing the game. Some of that may correct itself, but Houston also created extra possessions with 13 offensive rebounds, turning them into 22 second-chance points. Atlanta has to close out possessions better on the glass, because poor perimeter shooting is much harder to overcome when it also gives up those extra looks.

The most telling detail is that Houston won while missing three key players. That does not guarantee a repeat, but it suggests the Rockets' early-season edge is not fragile. Atlanta should shoot better from outside and may keep this one close, but Houston's rebounding, depth in scoring and home-court setting give it the steadier path. I expect another tight game, with the Rockets making enough plays late to move to 4-0.

Prediction: Rockets 119, Hawks 113.

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