The Houston Rockets aim to build on their first win of the season as they face the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, the first of two games between the teams in three nights in the Alamo City.
After a 128-108 home win over Memphis on Friday, Houston travels to San Antonio. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 22 points, while Alperen Sengun (16 points, 15 rebounds) and Jabari Smith Jr. (14 points, 16 rebounds) secured double-doubles. Dillon Brooks added 18 points, Fred VanVleet 16, Tari Eason 13, and Cam Whitmore 11. This victory followed a season-opening loss to Charlotte.
Houston seized control against Memphis with a 31-7 run to close out the third quarter, turning a 76-73 deficit into a 98-83 lead heading into the final period. A key focus for the Rockets is playing with pace, starting with defensive rebounding. The health of center Steven Adams, recovering from a left calf strain, is crucial. Adams missed the first two games but played limited minutes in three preseason games after missing last season due to knee surgery.
The Spurs return home after a 120-109 loss at Dallas on Thursday. Julian Champagnie and Jeremy Sochan each scored 18 points, with Victor Wembanyama and Harrison Barnes adding 17 points apiece. Wembanyama also led the Spurs with nine rebounds but struggled with his shooting, hitting just 5 of 18 shots. Chris Paul, making his regular season debut for San Antonio, contributed three points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Paul and Wembanyama combined for just 2-of-12 from beyond the arc in the loss.
Houston looks to maintain their momentum, while San Antonio aims to bounce back in their home opener.
