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Views from the game: Rockets extend opening streak to four games / TDS chats with Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun
The Houston Rockets start the 2026‑27 season 4‑0, snapping the Atlanta Hawks’ unbeaten run with a 120‑110 win at the Toyota Center. Alperen Şengün sparks the offense, hitting his sixth three‑pointer and finishing with a crucial layup in the third quarter, while Kevin Durant adds 4 blocks and highlights his defensive impact. Injuries sideline Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams (out at least a week) and Marcus Smart (potentially back Wednesday), prompting coach Ime Udoka to adjust the lineup, moving Reed Sheppard to the bench. Post‑game, Udoka praises the team’s chemistry, and Durant and Şengün discuss the strong start and offseason preparations.
Rockets again pluck Hawks 120-110
The Rockets defeat the Hawks 120-110 in a quick turnaround home‑home series, capitalizing on superior two‑point shooting and rebounding despite committing twice as many turnovers (25 vs. 13). Houston shoots 53% overall and dominates the boards 52‑35, while Atlanta slumps at 28% from three. Alperen Sengun leads with 29 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, and Reed Sheppard adds 13 off the bench. Fred VanVleet returns, but injuries sideline Steven Adams and Marcus Smart. The win comes on the road, driven by a 10‑point free‑throw edge and aggressive interior play.
It’s a Two-Fer for You-Fer As Rockets Face Hawks At Home
The Houston Rockets host the Atlanta Hawks at the Toyota Center on Oct. 26, 2026, with tip‑off at 7:30 PM CST (Space City Home Network). Expected lineups feature Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün for Houston, and CJ McCollum, Nikeil Alexander‑Walker, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu for Atlanta. The Rockets are missing Steven Adams (calf) and Marcus Smart (forearm), while the Hawks list Mo Gueye as injured. The game will also be broadcast on KBME Sports Talk 790 and KLTN 102.9 (español).
Can Rockets rely on Steven Adams?
With the Rockets unbeaten at 3‑0, head coach Ime Udoka appears to be shelving veteran center Steven Adams after just one game this season. Adams, plagued by durability issues – 32 games last year and a missed 2023‑24 campaign – raises concerns about the Rockets' long‑term big‑man depth. The article argues the team should consider Oscar Tshiebwe as a backup, noting his 15.1% offensive rebounding rate (8th in the league) as a near‑match to Adams’ 18.9% rank‑3 performance. While Capela remains an option, his limited minutes and defensive liabilities make him a stopgap. The piece warns Houston must secure a reliable front‑court spare or target a 2027 draft prospect soon.
Houston Rockets vs. Atlanta Hawks game preview
The Houston Rockets host the Atlanta Hawks tonight at the Toyota Center, with the Rockets favored by 5.5 points. Houston may see the return of Fred VanVleet—and possibly Marcus Smart—while Steven Adams remains out. The Rockets previously beat the Hawks despite missing three rotation players, holding off a late fourth‑quarter rally. Atlanta, missing Mo Guéye, will be eager to avoid a second loss to Houston and hopes to improve its 27% three‑point shooting. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. CT on Space City Home Network.
Rockets zoom past Hawks 121-114
The Houston Rockets edge the Atlanta Hawks 121‑114 on Oct. 24 at State Farm Arena, snapping a tough back‑to‑back stretch after a grueling road win in Austin. Reed Sheppard leads the offense, posting a key three‑pointer, while Alperen Şengün dominates the paint and Kevin Durant logs 36 minutes. Despite missing Steven Adams, Fred VanVleet and Marcus Smart, the Rockets hold a 7‑0 deficit early, rally with a 20‑point surge, and withstand a late Hawks comeback—Atlanta shoots 49 threes (13 made) versus Houston’s 14 of 28. The win marks the Rockets’ 18‑4 record in Sheppard starts and signals a potentially strongest roster in a decade.
Rockets Fly To Atlanta To Face Soaring Hawks
The Houston Rockets head to State Farm Arena on Oct. 24 to battle the Atlanta Hawks at 7:30 PM CST. The matchup features Rockets stars Amen Thompson—who famously blocked Victor Wembanyama’s late second‑half dunk—alongside Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Şengün. Atlanta lines up CJ “Gollum” McCollum, Dyson “Sphere” Daniels and Jalen Jalenson, while Marcus Smart sits out and Reed Sheppard is confirmed to play. TV coverage airs on Space City Home Network, with radio on KBME 790 and KLTN 102.9 (español).
Houston Rockets vs. Atlanta Hawks game preview
The Dream Shake preview breaks down the upcoming Houston Rockets vs. Atlanta Hawks showdown at the Toyota Center on Monday, Oct. 24, 2026 (7:30 p.m. CT). Both clubs are coming off back‑to‑back road trips, so motivation will be high after the first leg of their home‑and‑away series. Atlanta, bolstered by offseason additions Aaron Wiggins, Lu Dort and rookie guard Kingston Flemings, remains a defensive nightmare with Nickeil Alexander‑Walker, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu posting 2.5+ defensive win shares. C.J. McCollum leads the offense, while the Rockets juggle injuries—Steven Adams and Reed Sheppard are doubtful, VanVleet likely out, and Mo Gueye sits for Atlanta. Expect a close, split‑series game rather than a sweep as both teams chase deep playoff runs.
Rockets spurn Spurs in 114-110 nail-biter
The Houston Rockets edge the San Antonio Spurs 114-110 in a fourth‑quarter thriller, improving to 2‑0. Alperen Şengün sparks the win with 29 points, 7 assists and 7 rebounds, hitting 50% of his threes, while rookie Amen Thompson adds 20 points, 10 rebounds and a game‑saving block on Victor Wembanyama. Kevin Durant contributes 20 points, including a decisive late triple. Spurs star Wembanyama finishes 9‑of‑21, but Houston’s aggressive inside play and clutch defense secure the victory as both teams finish with nearly identical stats.
Rockets take on Spurs for early-season two-step
The Houston Rockets host the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 23 at the Moody Center in Austin for a “Texas Death Match.” Kickoff is set for 8:30 PM CST, with Space City Home Network broadcasting and KBME/ KLTN on radio. The probable lineups feature the Rockets’ veteran trio of Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., plus Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün, while the Spurs counter with Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie and phenom Victor Wembanyama. Fans can follow live on TDS or the SB Nation app.
Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs game preview
The Dream Shake previews the Houston Rockets‑San Antonio Spurs matchup, arguing the Spurs can’t hide any longer. With Victor Wands Wembanyama, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle leading the charge, the Spurs are now a +300 (25%) favorite for the NBA title, second only to OKC. The preview notes key injuries—Steven Adams, Reed Sheppard (Rockets) and De’Aaron Fox, Keldon Johnson (Spurs) listed as game‑time decisions, Tobias Harris out—and the betting line at SA -5.5. The game streams on Amazon Prime Video at 8:30 pm CT.
Views from the Game: Rockets Cruise to season-opening win over Mavericks
The Houston Rockets open the 2026-27 season with a dominant 128-110 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at the Toyota Center. Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith each drop 30 points, while Alperen Sengün adds 23 and 10 rebounds. Fred VanVleet returns to the lineup, posting 11 assists and no turnovers, sparking praise from teammates and coach Ime Udoka, who highlights the team's 29 fast‑break points and faster pace. Steven Adams is a game‑time decision due to a sore calf, and rookie Tari Eason is ejected early after a flagrant‑two foul. The Rockets lead the season 1‑0, showcasing a potent offense and revamped double‑big strategy.
Rockets start season with 128-110 victory over Mavericks
The Houston Rockets open the 2026 season with a dominant 128-110 win over the Dallas Mavericks at the Toyota Center. Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. each pour in 30 points, propelling Houston to a 70-38 halftime lead. Alperen Şengün adds a double‑double (23 points, 10 rebounds) and Fred VanVleet dishes out 11 assists. Dallas' Cooper Flagg tops the Mavs with 32 points, but the Rockets control the game with 53% shooting, 16‑of‑36 from three, and a 42‑33 rebounding edge. The Rockets’ next test comes Friday night against the San Antonio Spurs.
Rockets kickoff 2026-2027 NBA season with matchup with Mavs
The Houston Rockets open the 2026‑27 NBA season against the Dallas Mavericks on October 21 at 7:30 PM CST in the Toyota Center. The game, broadcast on Space City Home Network and streamed via the SB Nation app, features Rockets starters Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün, while the Mavericks line up Kyrie Irving, Zaccharie Risacher, Cooper Flag, P.J. Washington Jr. and Daniel Gafford. Fans can also follow the action on KBME Sports Talk 790 and KLTN 102.9 (español).
Rockets give update on Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams for back-to-backs, plus on backup point guard
The Houston Rockets will sit Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams during the season's back‑to‑back games, according to head coach Ime Udoka. Veteran point guard Marcus Smart, not rookie Reed Sheppard, will fill in for VanVleet, while the team decides who replaces Adams when he rests. Both veterans are returning from major injuries—Adams missed the last 42 regular‑season games after ankle surgery, and VanVleet sat out the entire prior season with a leg issue. The Rockets face 13 back‑to‑back sets, starting with Friday‑Saturday of opening week, making depth a key focus.
Join us for the 2026-27 Rockets season on the SB Nation app
The Dream Shake announces that the new SB Nation app is now live, letting Houston Rockets fans join the community, comment, and post in real time. Available for iOS and Android in North America (with Europe coming soon), the app highlights a game‑chat feature that speeds up comments and notifications during NBA games, plus a merged Feed stream that has already set single‑day commenting records. Whether you want to read traditional articles or dive into live game reactions, the app promises fewer ads and seamless community interaction.
Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks game preview
The Rockets host the Mavericks in their season opener, a matchup that could break Houston’s 0‑8 streak in opening games dating back to 2017. Both teams are integrating new pieces: Dallas flaunts three recent No. 1 picks—including rookie Zaccharie Risacher—and veteran depth with P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, while Houston adds Fred VanVleet, Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic after a quiet offseason. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. CT on Space City Home Network, with the Rockets listed as -8.5 favorites and hoping to snap a nine‑year opening‑night drought before heading to San Antonio for a back‑to‑back.
2026-2027 NBA Season Starts Today – Talk About It Here
The 2026‑27 NBA season kicks off on October 20 with a slate of games broadcast free on NBC. Tonight’s marquee matchups include Boston vs. Detroit, where the Pistons pull out a 121‑113 win behind Paul George’s 38 points, and the defending champs 76ers open at MSG against the Knicks featuring LeBron James, Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid. Later, the Spurs face the Thunder in a Western Conference showdown. Fans can catch all action on NBC without a cable subscription.
2026-2027 NBA rule points of emphasis
The NBA Referees’ Association rolls out four new points of emphasis for the 2026‑27 season, targeting offensive arm shoves, screen‑related pushes, illegal grabbing on the perimeter and post, and illegal movement along a straight‑line drive. The league will now call offensive off‑arm contact—like Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander’s stiff‑arm—as a foul, ban single‑ or double‑arm shoves when setting screens, and penalize grabs or punches that impede a player’s positioning. The changes aim to curb abuse of these tactics, with potential benefits for teams like the Houston Rockets whose players, especially Kevin Durant, faced frequent illegal contact last year.
Rockets plans for their rotation and minutes for Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams
Coach Ime Udoka outlines the Houston Rockets' opening‑season rotation ahead of their Oct. 21 opener against the Dallas Mavericks. With Marcus Smart and Fred VanVleet back from injury and Steven Adams cleared of minutes limits, Udoka plans a 10‑man rotation, emphasizing Reed Sheppard’s shooting as essential despite defensive concerns. He warns the guards to be cautious on back‑to‑back games and notes the team faces a tough slate, playing seven of its first ten opponents from last season’s playoffs. The Rockets aim to build on a 52‑win campaign while avoiding the first‑round exits that ended their recent runs.
SB Nation Reacts results: Will the Rockets trade Kevin Durant at the deadline this year?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rockets fans and fans across the country. This week’s question asked about Kevin Durant’s future in H-town. James asked the question this week if we thought the Rockets could trade KD, so we […]
Is Reed Sheppard’s Rockets future in jeopardy?
It’s only preseason, but… The perennial caveat. It’s tiring. We know it’s preseason. We all know. Bogdan Bogdanovic looks good, doesn’t he? The man whose last name is his first name with more letters after it (which is how I learned to stop calling him Bojan Bogdanovic, or vice versa) is hitting 41.2% of his […]
Rockets Amen Thompson named best perimeter defender by NBA GMs
Every year, the NBA General Managers take a survey voting on certain topics such as best defender, player most likely to have a breakout season, best assistant coach, etc. What keeps this survey honest is that general managers are not allowed to vote for any of their players or staff. If you want to read […]
Rockets roll past Thunder in preseason final 116-89
I had thought that both the Rockets and Thunder might not play their starters at all tonight. Both teams had a hefty number of “Game Time Decisions” and “Day To Day” players. It seemed like it might be a slightly nonsensical clash of deep benches, and guys who are likely headed to the GLeague. This […]
Rockets battle Thunder In Final Preseason Game
Houston Rockets vs. ONT Thunder October 15th, 2026 Location: Toyota Center, Houston, TX Time: 7:30 PM CST TV:NBA TV and Space City Home NetworkRadio:KBME Sports Talk 790 / KLTN 102.9 (en español) Probable Starting Lineups? Rockets: Fred Vanvleet, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Jalen Williams, Chetnik […]
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