Houston Rockets vs Atlanta Hawks Picks and Prediction for Saturday October 24, 2026
The Houston Rockets will be on the road Saturday night for a matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 PM Eastern, and coverage will be available on NBA League Pass. The Rockets are perfect through their first two games of the season coming into Saturday following their victory Friday night against San Antonio. Atlanta is also undefeated through its first two games after a blowout road victory Friday night against Charlotte. Atlanta comes into this matchup as a 1.5-point favorite at -120 on the moneyline. Houston is +100 on the moneyline, and the total is set at 230.5 points. Stay in the action with our NBA Picks.
Houston tries to keep it rolling
The Houston Rockets offense is carrying them this season, as they are currently averaging 121 points per game through two games played. Defensively, Houston has been consistent, allowing 110 points in each game thus far this year. Houston did enough defensively Friday night against San Antonio, as the Spurs shot 46% from the floor and 32% from beyond the arc. Houston won the rebounding battle by four and forced 15 turnovers in the win. Offensively, Houston shot the ball well, converting on 49% of its shots and 40% from beyond the arc.
Alperen Sengun led Houston Friday night with 29 points on 20 shots in 36 minutes. Kevin Durant chipped in 20 points on ten shots in 37 minutes. Amen Thompson added 20 points in 36 minutes, and Fred VanVleet was the fourth starter in double digits with 14 points in 32 minutes. Tari Eason led the way off the Houston bench with 12 points on eight shots in 27 minutes.
Key Injury Report for Houston:
- Reed Sheppard (Out) - Knee
Atlanta tries to stay perfect
The Atlanta Hawks offense is rolling through the first two games of the season, averaging 130 points per game. Defensively, Atlanta has found its way, allowing an average of 103 points per game this season after giving up only 81 points against Charlotte. The Atlanta offense dominated Friday night against Charlotte, pouring in 128 points, including 68 in the first half, on 51% shooting and 40% from beyond the arc. The Atlanta defense held Charlotte to 34% shooting and 22% from beyond the arc. The Hawks pulled in 48 rebounds and forced 27 turnovers in the win.
Jalen Johnson led the way for the Hawks offense on Friday as one of five starters in double digits with 19 points on 16 shots. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 14 points on 12 shots, and CJ McCollum chipped in 13 points in 22 minutes. Dyson Daniels scored 11 points on ten shots, and Onyeka Okongwu added ten points on eight shots. Aaron Wiggins led the way off the Atlanta bench with 19 points on nine shots in 22 minutes.
Key Injury Report for Atlanta:
- Mouhamed Gueye (Out) - Foot
- Henri Veesaar (OFS) - Knee
Houston Rockets vs Atlanta Hawks Picks and Prediction
Pick: Houston Rockets +1.5
Houston has the personnel to cause serious problems for Atlanta on both ends of the floor Saturday night. The Rockets have a strong combination of size, athleticism, and offensive versatility, with Kevin Durant providing an experienced scoring presence alongside Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. Houston should have opportunities to attack the paint, create second-chance possessions, and make Atlanta work defensively throughout the game. The Hawks have enough offensive talent to keep things competitive, especially playing in front of their home crowd, but Houston's ability to generate offense from multiple positions should make the difference. Look for the Rockets to establish themselves around the basket and make enough defensive stops down the stretch to secure the road victory.
Pick: Over 230.5
Atlanta showed its offensive potential in its season opener against Orlando, scoring 132 points and followed with 128 points in game 2. Houston also has the personnel to put together a strong scoring performance, particularly with Durant and Sengun capable of creating quality opportunities in the half-court offense. Both teams will be playing on consecutive nights, which could lead to some defensive lapses as the game progresses. Atlanta will look to push the tempo and generate easy baskets in transition, while Houston should be able to take advantage of its size and offensive versatility. Expect both teams to find success offensively and produce enough scoring opportunities to push this matchup over the posted total.