Coverage of the 3-0 Rockets centers on Amen Thompson's block in San Antonio, Kevin Durant's title case and Steven Adams' health. The facts support the first and the third; the second needs more than three games.
Last spring
Space City Scoop wrote that Kevin Durant has everything he needs to compete for a championship in Houston. The facts are mixed. Houston went 52-30 and lost in the first round to the Lakers, and the payroll now sits at $205.5 million, above the $200.4 million tax line. Durant is 38. Three games at 24.0 points a night and 53.8 percent from three show a start, not a ceiling.
Oct. 23
ESPN and The Athletic led with Thompson's final-second block of Victor Wembanyama in a 114-110 win; The Athletic quoted Thompson calling it "just insane." Space City Scoop argued Alperen Sengun can't be ignored after dominating the Spurs. Houston's own line backs that: Sengun scored 29, and Thompson finished with 20 and 10.
Oct. 24
ESPN reported that Durant scored 22 and Reed Sheppard hit five 3-pointers in Atlanta's home opener. The box score agrees: Sheppard went 5-of-11 from deep, and Durant had 22. The Dream Shake headlined the 121-114 win with "Zoom Past Hawks." Houston led by 20, but a 9-0 Atlanta run cut a 14-point lead to 117-112 late.
This week
Space City Scoop's Darren Butler wrote that the Rockets need to tread lightly with Steven Adams' health. The injury facts fit. Adams went out with a left ankle injury one day after clearing a right calf problem. He, Fred VanVleet and Marcus Smart are now day-to-day, with Oct. 26 as the target date. RealGM quoted VanVleet on the faster Rockets being "What It Was Supposed To Look Like."
Who do the Rockets play next?
The Rockets host the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 26 at Toyota Center. Houston won the first meeting 121-114 in Atlanta on Oct. 24.
Are Steven Adams, Fred VanVleet and Marcus Smart injured?
All three are listed day-to-day, with Oct. 26 as the target date. Adams has a left ankle injury, VanVleet a right knee injury and Smart a left forearm injury.
