Houston is 2-0 and travels to face a 2-0 Atlanta team coached by Quin Snyder. The number to watch is bench scoring: 24 points in San Antonio, with Reed Sheppard's return listed for today.
Last season
Houston went 52-30 with a 5.4 net rating, sixth in the league, built on the fifth-ranked defense. Atlanta went 46-36 with a 2.2 net rating and a faster pace, 102.5 against Houston's 97.0. Jalen Johnson led the Hawks at 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists a night.
Oct. 21
The Rockets opened with a 128-110 win over Dallas. ESPN's recap had Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. at 30 points apiece. Fred VanVleet said, per RealGM, that the faster look is what the team was supposed to look like. Houston's pace is the early storyline, and the sample is two games.
Oct. 23
At San Antonio, Alperen Sengun scored 29 on 10-of-20 shooting and Amen Thompson added 20 points and 10 rebounds. Thompson blocked Victor Wembanyama's layup as time expired after VanVleet made two free throws for the 114-110 final. The lead changed hands 14 times. Starters supplied 90 points, the bench 24.
Today
Atlanta is 2-0 and rested two days. Houston has one. The Hawks list Henri Veesaar and Mouhamed Gueye as out. Reed Sheppard, out with a left knee issue, carries an estimated return of today. He shot 39.4 percent from three last season and would help a thin bench.
When do the Rockets play the Hawks next?
Houston plays at Atlanta today, Oct. 24, and hosts the Hawks again on Oct. 26.
Is Reed Sheppard playing against the Hawks?
He is listed as out with a left knee issue, with an estimated return of Oct. 24. His status for tonight is not confirmed.
