Atlanta Hawks vs Houston Rockets Picks and Predictions for Monday, October 26, 2026

Atlanta gets another shot at Houston on Monday, just two nights after the Rockets handed the Hawks their first loss. This time they're playing at Toyota Center, with tipoff at 8:30 pm ET on NBA League Pass. Atlanta is 2-1, tied for first in the Southeast Division, following Saturday's 121-114 defeat at home. Houston is 3-0 and leads the Southwest Division after winning that same game. The Hawks had beaten Orlando and Charlotte to open the season, while Houston also owns victories over Dallas and San Antonio. Find more Monday matchups in our free NBA picks.

Atlanta Hawks Want a Different Ending

The Hawks were flying after two games. Atlanta won 132-125 at Orlando and followed it up by routing Charlotte 128-81. That 47-point victory looked impressive, especially after the Hornets couldn't get anything going offensively. Houston spoiled the start Saturday, though, beating Atlanta 121-114. The Hawks have now scored 374 points through three games, an average of 124.7, and allowed 109 per contest. They collected 90 rebounds and 65 assists across the first two victories, and shot 49.7% from the field in those games.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 45 points in Atlanta's first two games, with seven made three-pointers. Jalen Johnson collected 39 points, 21 rebounds and 14 assists in that stretch. Dyson Daniels was a menace defensively, recording 12 steals across those two wins while scoring 31 points. Aaron Wiggins chipped in with 35 points off the bench, and CJ McCollum scored 32. The Hawks have several guards who can score, but Saturday showed that Houston can handle their attack.

Injuries: Mouhamed Gueye is out with a foot injury. Henri Veesaar is out for the season with a knee injury.

Houston Rockets Bring Their Winning Streak Home

Houston has three wins from three games, with the latest coming Saturday against Atlanta. The Rockets beat the Hawks 121-114, just a day after picking up a 114-110 victory in San Antonio. Houston's season began with a more comfortable 128-110 win over Dallas. The Rockets have scored at least 114 points in each outing, putting up 363 altogether. Opponents have scored 334 against them. Houston has also been shooting well, making 85 of 166 field goals in its opening two games. The Rockets return home Monday looking for their fourth consecutive victory.

Alperen Sengun has been a big part of Houston's offense, recording 52 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists in the first two games. Kevin Durant scored 50 points during that stretch and grabbed 13 rebounds. Amen Thompson has collected 20 rebounds, including nine on the offensive end, to go with 36 points. Jabari Smith Jr. has added 37 points and 10 rebounds. Fred VanVleet recorded 16 assists in those two games, but he won't play Monday because of a knee injury. Houston will have to find those assists elsewhere against Atlanta.

Injuries: Fred VanVleet, Marcus Smart and Steven Adams are out. 

Key To The Game

Atlanta has already seen Houston's offense up close. The Hawks need to keep Sengun from controlling possessions inside, while the Rockets must replace VanVleet's passing. Johnson and Daniels give Atlanta ways to disrupt that rhythm.

Atlanta Hawks vs Houston Rockets Game Pick

• Houston Rockets

Houston just went to Atlanta and won by seven, so this quick rematch starts with a reference point. Sengun gives the Rockets reliable scoring inside, and Durant makes their offense hard to contain. Atlanta scored 114 in Saturday's loss, a step down from its first two games. VanVleet's absence matters, but Houston has several players who can handle the ball. The Rockets finish the two-game set with another victory at home.

Atlanta Hawks vs Houston Rockets Over/Under Pick

• Over

Saturday's meeting in Atlanta ended with 235 total points, and both teams have been scoring regularly this season. The Hawks scored 132 against Orlando and 128 against Charlotte before losing to Houston. The Rockets have put up 128, 114 and 121 points in their three victories. Sengun and Durant have been producing for Houston, while Atlanta has several players capable of scoring. Another productive offensive night puts the over in play Monday.