The Houston Rockets (28-17) travel to face the Atlanta Hawks (24-25) in an interconference matchup where the Rockets aim to build on their strong Western Conference standing against a Hawks team riding a four-game winning streak. Houston has been dominant lately, winning six of their last 10, powered by Kevin Durant’s scoring and a top-five defense, while Atlanta has rebounded from a rough stretch with improved ball movement and perimeter shooting. The Rockets hold a 1-0 series edge this season after a March 2025 overtime win, but the Hawks’ home court and recent form could make this a close contest. Key narratives include Durant’s return to Atlanta and how both teams navigate significant injuries, potentially leading to a defensive battle at State Farm Arena with playoff seeding on the line for Atlanta in the East.
Venue Location
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT).
The game will be broadcast on SCHN and FDSSE-ATL, with radio coverage available.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams enter with momentum, but Houston’s defense (top-five in points allowed at 110.5 PPG) contrasts Atlanta’s high-volume offense (top-10 in assists at 31+ APG). The Rockets are 6-4 in their last 10, excelling in rebounding (49 RPG), while the Hawks are also 6-4, led by efficient shooting and a three-game win streak.
Houston Rockets (Last 10 Games: 6-4, Avg. 116.7 PPG)
Recent Streak: Lost 1.
Key Results:
Jan. 28 vs. SAS: L 99-111 (Durant 24 PTS; poor shooting).
Jan. 26 vs. MEM: W 108-99 (Sengun 33 PTS, 9 REB, 6 AST).
Jan. 23 @ DET: W 111-104.
Jan. 21 @ PHI: L 122-128.
Jan. 19 vs. SAS: W 111-106.
Jan. 17 vs. NOP: W 119-110.
Jan. 15 vs. MIN: W 110-105.
Jan. 13 vs. OKC: L 91-111.
Jan. 11 vs. CHI: W 119-113.
Jan. 9 @ SAC: L 98-111.
Strengths: Elite rebounding (49 RPG); Durant averaging 26.4 PPG; Top-5 defense (110.5 PPG allowed).
Weaknesses: Inconsistent road play (12-12 away); Recent losses to sub-.500 teams.
Atlanta Hawks (Last 10 Games: 6-4, Avg. 117.7 PPG)
Recent Streak: Won 4 straight.
Key Results:
Jan. 28 @ BOS: W 117-106 (Young 24 PTS; strong defense).
Jan. 26 vs. IND: W 132-116 (Johnson 23 PTS, 10 REB).
Jan. 23 vs. PHX: W 110-103 (Daniels 8 PTS in clutch).
Jan. 21 @ MEM: W 124-122.
Jan. 19 vs. MIL: L 110-112.
Jan. 17 vs. BOS: L 106-132.
Jan. 14 @ POR: L 101-117.
Jan. 13 @ LAL: L 116-141.
Jan. 11 @ GSW: W 124-111.
Jan. 9 @ DEN: W 110-87.
Strengths: League-leading assists (31+ APG); Johnson averaging 23.0 PPG, 10.4 RPG; Efficient shooting (53.1% FG in recent wins).
Weaknesses: Defensive struggles (119 PPG allowed); 9-13 at home.
Injury Report
Injuries heavily impact both teams, with the Rockets missing their starting PG and C, forcing reliance on youth, while the Hawks lack frontcourt depth on a back-to-back.
Houston Rockets:
OUT: Steven Adams (left ankle; season-ending surgery).
OUT: Fred VanVleet (right knee ACL; season-ending).
OUT: Tari Eason (injury management; resting for back-to-back).
QUESTIONABLE: Jalen Green (hamstring).
Atlanta Hawks:
OUT: N’Faly Dante (right knee; torn ACL; season-ending).
OUT: Kristaps Porzingis (left Achilles tendinitis).
OUT: Zaccharie Risacher (left knee bone contusion).
DOUBTFUL: Onyeka Okongwu (face).
Key
Player Matchups
Expected starting lineups amid injuries:
Rockets: PG Amen Thompson, SG Jalen Green (if available; otherwise Dillon Brooks), SF Kevin Durant, PF Jabari Smith Jr., C Alperen Sengun.
Hawks: PG Dyson Daniels, SG Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SF Jalen Johnson, PF Vit Krejci, C Onyeka Okongwu (if available; otherwise Mouhamed Gueye).
Key Matchups:
Kevin Durant vs. Jalen Johnson: Durant (26.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG) exploits mismatches; Johnson (23.0 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 7.9 APG) brings versatility but faces a scoring threat.
Alperen Sengun vs. Onyeka Okongwu: Sengun (19.0 PPG recently) dominates paint; Okongwu’s defense and rebounding key, but questionable status looms.
Amen Thompson vs. Dyson Daniels: Thompson (17.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG) vs. Daniels’ steals (2.1 SPG); Battle of young guards.
Jabari Smith Jr. vs. Vit Krejci: Smith’s rebounding vs. Krejci’s perimeter play.
Series History
All-time: Rockets lead 84-82 in 166 regular-season games.
Playoffs: Hawks lead 6-2 in 8 games.
Recently: Rockets won 4 of last 7 head-to-head.
This season:
Mar. 25, 2025: Hawks 114-121 Rockets.
Betting Trends
ATS Trends: Rockets 21-24 ATS (13-12 as -3.5 or more favorite); Hawks 25-24 ATS (16-11 as +3.5 or more underdog).
Rockets 9-5 ATS in non-conference games; Hawks Over in 23 of last 34 Thursday games.
Game Odds
Houston Rockets – 6.5
Atlanta Hawks 221.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 28, 2026
