Rockets Edge Hawks in Competitive Matchup
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · State Farm Arena
Houston Rockets 121, Atlanta Hawks 114, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Houston Rockets vs Atlanta Hawks?
Houston Rockets beat Atlanta Hawks 121-114 at State Farm Arena on October 24, 2026.
Who was favored in Houston Rockets vs Atlanta Hawks?
Houston Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -112 (about 53% implied). The favorite won.
The Houston Rockets secured a 121-114 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena, marking their fourth consecutive win and improving their away record to 4-0. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as the Rockets now lead the series against the Hawks 1-0 this season, adding to their historical advantage with a 2-0 record against Atlanta in their last two meetings.
Both teams entered the game with strong recent performances. The Hawks had a record of 2-1 at the start of the matchup, while the Rockets boasted an impressive 3-0 record. The Hawks had been on a two-game winning streak, with their last victory coming against the Charlotte Hornets, where they won decisively 128-81. In their last ten games, the Hawks recorded a 7-3 record, averaging 122.8 points scored and allowing 110.4 points per game. Their home record was 3-1, showing a solid performance at State Farm Arena.
On the other hand, the Rockets were enjoying a remarkable stretch, winning their last three games and holding a 9-1 record over their last ten outings. They averaged 122.5 points scored while allowing 109.3 points per game, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive capabilities. Their away record was a perfect 3-0 before this game, indicating their ability to perform well outside of Houston.
In terms of injuries, both teams faced significant challenges. The Hawks were missing Mouhamed Gueye (foot) and Henri Veesaar (knee), which impacted their depth. The Rockets were without Marcus Smart (forearm), Steven Adams (ankle), and Fred VanVleet (knee), which certainly affected their lineup and strategy.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Rockets favored by a spread of 1.5 points, with a total set at 227.5. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, with the moneyline showing the Hawks at -108 and the Rockets at -112.
The game conditions were conducive to a high-scoring affair, and the final score reflected that expectation. The fourth quarter was particularly intense, featuring several scoring plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Jalen Johnson made crucial free throws, while CJ McCollum and Onyeka Okongwu contributed important baskets for the Hawks. However, the Rockets' Kevin Durant and Tari Eason made key plays that ultimately sealed the game for Houston.
As the game concluded, the Hawks' chances of winning were effectively zero, with a final home win probability of 0.0%. This result not only solidifies the Rockets' strong start to the season but also raises questions about the Hawks' ability to compete against top teams, especially in light of their recent head-to-head struggles against Houston.
What we said beforehand
The upcoming NBA matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and the Houston Rockets at State Farm Arena promises to be an exciting contest, as both teams enter the game with a perfect record of 2-0. This fixture is particularly noteworthy as it marks the beginning of their series on October 24, 2026. The Hawks have shown strong offensive capabilities in their recent games, while the Rockets have also demonstrated their scoring prowess.
The Hawks have been impressive in their last five games, winning all of them. Their recent victories include a narrow win against the Indiana Pacers (119-117), a close contest with the Oklahoma City Thunder (113-110), and a dominant performance against the Dallas Mavericks (135-111). They also secured wins against the Orlando Magic (132-125) and the Charlotte Hornets (128-81). The Hawks have averaged 123.4 points scored and allowed 114.6 points in their last five games. At home, they have a record of 3-1 this season, with an average of 122.8 points scored and 110.4 points allowed.
On the other hand, the Rockets have also been on a winning streak, claiming victories in their last three games. Their recent results include a win against the San Antonio Spurs (114-110) and a convincing win over the Dallas Mavericks (128-110). They also triumphed against the Oklahoma City Thunder (116-89) and the Dallas Mavericks earlier in the month (135-117). The Rockets have averaged 123.8 points scored and 111.8 points allowed in their last five games. They have a perfect away record of 3-0 this season, showcasing their ability to perform on the road.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Hawks have struggled against the Rockets in their previous meetings, losing both encounters this season. They lost 95-117 in Houston on March 21, 2026, and were defeated 86-104 at home on January 30, 2026. This history may add an extra layer of motivation for the Hawks as they seek to turn the tide against the Rockets.
Injury concerns could play a significant role in the game. The Hawks will be without Mouhamed Gueye (foot) and Henri Veesaar (knee), while the Rockets will miss Marcus Smart (forearm), Steven Adams (ankle), and Fred VanVleet (knee). The absence of these key players could impact both teams' strategies and performance on the court.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, has the Rockets favored by 1.5 points with a total set at 227.5. The odds for the over are -108.0, while the under is priced at -112.0. The moneyline odds show the Hawks at -108.0 and the Rockets at -112.0, indicating a closely contested matchup.
As the game approaches, viewers should watch for the performance of key players. For the Hawks, Nickeil Alexander-Walker leads in points with an average of 22.5, while Jalen Johnson is a standout in assists (7.0) and rebounds (10.5). For the Rockets, Alperen Sengun leads in scoring with 26.0 points per game, while Amen Thompson averages 10.0 rebounds. The absence of Fred VanVleet could shift the playmaking responsibilities and affect the Rockets' offensive flow.
With both teams looking to maintain their unbeaten records, this matchup is set to be an engaging battle. The Hawks will aim to leverage their home advantage, while the Rockets will look to continue their strong start on the road.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HOU -1.5 | 227.5 o -108 / u -112 | Houston Rockets -112 · Atlanta Hawks -108 |
Injury report
- Mouhamed GueyeOutFootAtlanta Hawks
- Henri VeesaarOutKneeAtlanta Hawks
- Marcus SmartOutForearmHouston Rockets
- Steven AdamsOutAnkleHouston Rockets
- Fred VanVleetOutKneeHouston Rockets
Leaders
- PointsJalen Johnson26Atlanta Hawks
- AssistsJalen Johnson16Atlanta Hawks
- ReboundsJalen Johnson9Atlanta Hawks
- PointsKevin Durant22Houston Rockets
- AssistsReed Sheppard7Houston Rockets
- ReboundsAlperen Sengun11Houston Rockets
Recent form
Atlanta Hawks
Last 10: 7-3Streak W2122.8 scored · 110.4 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W128-81at Charlotte HornetsOct 23
- W132-125at Orlando MagicOct 21
- L117-143at Miami HeatApr 12
- W124-102vs Cleveland CavaliersApr 10
- L116-122at Cleveland CavaliersApr 8
- L105-108vs New York KnicksApr 6
- W141-107at Brooklyn NetsApr 3
- W130-101at Orlando MagicApr 1
- W112-102vs Boston CelticsMar 30
- W123-113vs Sacramento KingsMar 28
Houston Rockets
Last 10: 9-1Streak W3122.5 scored · 109.3 allowed per game3-0 away
- W114-110at San Antonio SpursOct 24
- W128-110vs Dallas MavericksOct 22
- W132-101vs Memphis GrizzliesApr 13
- L132-136vs Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 11
- W113-102vs Philadelphia 76ersApr 10
- W119-105at Phoenix SunsApr 8
- W117-116at Golden State WarriorsApr 6
- W140-106vs Utah JazzApr 4
- W119-113vs Milwaukee BucksApr 2
- W111-94vs New York KnicksApr 1
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | - | 0 | W3 | 1.000 | 3 |
| Memphis | 0.5 | 0 | W2 | 1.000 | 2 |
| San Antonio | 2 | 2 | W1 | .333 | 1 |
| Dallas | 2 | 2 | L1 | .333 | 1 |
| New Orleans | 2.5 | 2 | L2 | .000 | 0 |
| Atlanta | - | 1 | L1 | .667 | 2 |
| Charlotte | - | 1 | W1 | .667 | 2 |
| Washington | - | 1 | W1 | .667 | 2 |
| Orlando | 1.5 | 2 | L2 | .000 | 0 |
| Miami | 2 | 3 | L3 | .000 | 0 |
Box score
| Stat | Houston Rockets | Atlanta Hawks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 43-89 | 43-96 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 14-35 | 13-49 |
| Three-point % | 40 | 27 |
| Free throws | 21-23 | 15-21 |
| Free throw % | 91 | 71 |
| Rebounds | 43 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 17 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 25 |
| Assists | 27 | 35 |
| Steals | 6 | 9 |
| Blocks | 5 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 4 | 2 |
| Technical fouls, total | 4 | 2 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 23 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 20 |
| Points in the paint | 46 | 58 |
| Fouls | 20 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 20 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 88 | 8 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter90-74Bogdan Bogdanovic makes 4-foot two point shot (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 3rd Quarter90-77Luguentz Dort makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jalen Johnson assists)
- 3rd Quarter90-79Jalen Johnson makes running layup (Nickeil Alexander-Walker assists)
- 3rd Quarter91-79Tari Eason makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter92-79Tari Eason makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter92-81Jalen Johnson makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter94-81Reed Sheppard makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter94-84Aaron Wiggins makes 23-foot three point jumper (Nickeil Alexander-Walker assists)
- 4th Quarter96-84Alperen Sengun makes 3-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter98-84Tari Eason makes 1-foot layup (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 4th Quarter98-86Luguentz Dort makes running layup (Kingston Flemings assists)
- 4th Quarter100-86Kevin Durant makes dunk (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 4th Quarter103-86Reed Sheppard makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter105-86Tari Eason makes 1-foot driving dunk
- 4th Quarter105-88Jock Landale makes layup (Jalen Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter108-88Reed Sheppard makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter108-89Jalen Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-90Jalen Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-90Alperen Sengun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-91CJ McCollum makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-93CJ McCollum makes running layup (Dyson Daniels assists)
- 4th Quarter111-93Alperen Sengun makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter111-95Aaron Wiggins makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter111-96Jalen Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-97Jalen Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter113-97Tari Eason makes 22-foot step back jumpshot (Kevin Durant assists)
- 4th Quarter113-100Dyson Daniels makes 26-foot three point jumper (CJ McCollum assists)
- 4th Quarter115-100Kevin Durant makes 13-foot pullup jump shot (Bogdan Bogdanovic assists)
- 4th Quarter115-103CJ McCollum makes 25-foot three point jumper (Dyson Daniels assists)
- 4th Quarter117-103Jabari Smith Jr. makes 13-foot pullup jump shot (Amen Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter117-105Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes 17-foot step back jumpshot (Jalen Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter117-107Dyson Daniels makes 1-foot dunk (Jalen Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter117-108Jalen Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter117-110CJ McCollum makes two point shot (Jalen Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter117-111Onyeka Okongwu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter117-112Onyeka Okongwu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-112Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter119-112Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter121-112Tari Eason makes running dunk (Jabari Smith Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter121-114CJ McCollum makes two point shot
Win probability
Above the line favours Atlanta Hawks, below favours Houston Rockets.
Venue
- State Farm ArenaAtlanta, GA
- Attendance17942
- OfficialsNick Buchert, Andy Nagy, CJ Washington
Elsewhere
- Durant scores 22, Sheppard hits five 3-pointers to lead Rockets to a win in Atlanta's home opener
- Young scores 25 points as the Wizards hold off Wilson and the Bulls for a 124-120 win
- San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks: Game Highlights
- Wembanyama, Harper lead Spurs past short-handed Mavericks 122-106 for their first victory
- Cavaliers survive a late Nets rally to win home opener 125-121
- Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Game Highlights