Houston Rockets vs. Atlanta Hawks game preview

The Rockets close out their 3-game homestand tonight against the Atlanta Hawks. With their next three contests against a desperate Spurs team in San Antonio, a surging Raptors squad in Toronto, and an upstart Phoenix Suns squad, tonight’s game is of vital importance.

The Hawks started 2-0 with Trae Young dropped 77 points combined in those two games. Since then, they are 2-14 (and are leading the Pacers as I type this).

Both Clint Capela and Danuel House Jr. are doubtful tonight with illnesses. Obviously Houston is still missing Eric Gordon (knee), who will likely miss at least another month. Kevin Huerter is still out for the Hawks with a shoulder injury but was recently cleared to resume on-court activities so his return is imminent.

The Hawks have former Rocket Chandler Parsons, who has appeared in two games this season and has scored a total of 8 points and grabbed 3 rebounds.

The Hawks give up 118 points per contest and that’s about what Houston averages offensively. The key, as it will be all season for Houston, lies on the defensive end. The Hawks sport the league’s lowest 3-point shooting percentage and are 29th in turnovers. If Houston keeps them trending in that direction then the Rockets could enjoy a comfortable win. On the other hand, Houston doesn’t seem to like blowing teams out so you can probably expect a close contest.

Tip-off is at 7pm CT