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Rockets keep rolling with 109-93 win over Celtics
The Houston Rockets cruise to a 109-93 victory over the Boston Celtics, improving to 5-2. Alperen Şengün leads with 26 points on 12‑15 shooting, adds 7 rebounds and 10 assists. Jabari Smith contributes 10 rebounds and hits 4‑of‑5 from three, while Marcus Smart adds timely buckets despite a rough shooting night. Boston struggles, going just 12‑42 from three and falling behind in the fourth quarter as the Rockets pull away. Absences for both teams—Clint Capela for Houston and Paul George for Boston—don't stop Houston's dominant run after a recent loss in Dallas.
Rockets look to get one for Ime vs. Celtics
The Houston Rockets face the Boston Celtics on November 2 at the Toyota Center, kicking off at 7:30 PM CST. The Rockets line up Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jabian Smith Jr., Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, while Boston fields Derrick White, Payton Prichard, Jayson Tatum, Jordan Walsh and Mitchell Robinson. Broadcast on Space City Home Network and streamed on KBME Sports Talk 790/KLTN 102.9. Will Houston spark a new winning streak? TDS invites fans to discuss the matchup on the SB Nation app.
Rockets Jabari Smith Jr. has found his best self
Jabari Smith Jr. is finally hitting his stride for the Houston Rockets, exploding to 19.0 points per game while shooting an impressive 48.9% overall and 44.7% from three—up from last season's 15.9 points and 36.8% three‑point rate. The surge stems from better shot selection, with 25.7% of his attempts now classified as wide‑open, and a confidence boost on the ball under Ime Udoka's system. Though the three‑point hot streak may temper later, Smith Jr.'s all‑around game looks the most polished of his career, making this his potential breakout year.
Houston Rockets vs. Boston Celtics game preview
The Rockets host the Celtics on Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m. CT, offering Houston its first schedule‑advantage game (Rockets 6‑1, Celtics 5‑1). Boston, now led by Paul George after trading Jaylen Brown, must contend with a Rockets defense that tops the league, while Houston aims to curb Jayson Tatum, George and Derrick White. Key injuries: Steven Adams (out), Clint Capela (questionable) for Houston; Mitchell Robinson (questionable) and Devin Carter (out) for Boston. The line favors Houston at -5.5. A win could signal how both 6‑1 teams settle after exceeding low preseason expectations.
Rockets defeat Thunder 119-98
The Houston Rockets bounce back from their first loss with a dominant 119-98 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Toyota Center on Oct. 31. Jabari Smith Jr. leads with 30 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists, while Marcus Smart adds 24 and shoots 7‑of‑10 from three. Alperen Sengün returns to post a near triple‑double (16‑9‑10) and Kevin Durant contributes 14. Houston’s 46% shooting and stifling defense—holding the Thunder to just 10 points in the second quarter—propel the team to a 6‑1 record and an early Western Conference contender status.
Rockets hope to bounce back tonight in Houston vs. Thunder
The Houston Rockets aim to rebound tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Toyota Center (7:30 PM CST, NBA TV). After a recent loss, the Rockets will start Marcus Smart, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, while the Thunder field Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Jared McCain, Ajay Mitchell, Kenrich Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein. Tune in to see if Durant and the lineup can snap the skid.
Reed Sheppard gets paid… well, kind of
The Houston Rockets exercised Reed Sheppard’s fourth‑year option, guaranteeing him just over $14 million for the 2027‑28 season. After a shaky rookie year, Sheppard has clawed his way back into the rotation as Fred VanVleet’s backup and now sees most of his snaps off the ball following the addition of VanVleet and free‑agent Marcus Smart. Coach Ime Udoka says Sheppard must improve his pick‑and‑roll game and shooting efficiency, but his versatility as a scorer, playmaker and perimeter defender gives him upside. Minor injuries—a left knee issue on Oct. 23 versus the Spurs and a back strain against Dallas—haven’t been serious, yet they could affect his performance as the Rockets decide his long‑term role.
Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game preview
The Rockets face a rested Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m. CT, with Houston playing back‑to‑back after a recent game and the Thunder coming off a day off. Both squads are shorthanded: Houston lists Alperen Şengün (questionable), Steven Adams (out), Marcus Smart, Reed Sheppard and Fred VanVleet (questionable, back‑to‑back) as doubtful; OKC has Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Nikola Tičić, Thomas Sorber and Alex Caruso out. The preview highlights the Thunder’s advantage in rest and the narrative that a win could reaffirm their danger despite their injury list. The game streams on Space City Home Network and NBA TV.
Mavericks hand Rockets season’s first loss in 116-111 comedy of errors
The Dallas Mavericks snap the Houston Rockets’ unbeaten start with a 116-111 win on Oct. 21, 2026. Kyrie Irving leads Dallas with 33 points on 12‑of‑19 shooting, while rookie Cooper Flagg adds 32 points, going 13‑of‑19. Kevin Durant tops the Rockets with 26 points but misses four free throws, and Clint Capela commits two goaltending violations that prove costly. Jabari Smith Jr. contributes 22 points, yet the Rockets struggle without Alper Şengün, whose status remains uncertain. Despite 20 offensive rebounds, Houston falls short as the Mavericks’ dynamic duo secures the victory, setting up a tough showdown with the Thunder next night.
Rockets and Mavs do it again, but for real this time
The Houston Rockets host the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 30, 2026, at the American Airlines Center. The Rockets, featuring Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant and Tari Eason, aim to maintain an unbeaten streak, while the Mavericks counter with Kyrie Irving, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford. A notable moment from the Oct. 21 matchup shows Mavericks forward Sergio de Larrea debuting his jersey patch against Durant. The game tips off at 7 PM CST, broadcast on Space City Home Network and simulcast on KBME Sports Talk 790/KLTN 102.9, with live chat on the SB Nation app.
Kevin Durant doesn’t need to be “The Guy” every night for Rockets to succeed
Kevin Durant’s role with the Houston Rockets is shifting. After a demanding 2025‑26 season where injuries forced him to shoulder heavy playmaking and minutes, Durant is now taking a career‑low 12.6 shots per game in the Rockets’ 5‑0 start. The team’s balanced roster—Alperen Sengun’s breakout, Jabari Smith’s improvement, All‑Star‑level Amen Thompson, and the return of point guard Fred VanVleet—allows Durant to contribute without shouldering the offense every night. The article argues that this reduced load benefits both the 37‑year‑old star and the Rockets’ overall success.
Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks game preview ft. the NBA Cup!
The Dream Shake preview tackles the upcoming Dec. 6 showdown between the 5-0 Houston Rockets and 4-1 Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center, marking Houston’s first NBA Cup game in West Group A. The Rockets have flashed an efficient offense early this season but are missing Alperen Sengun, Steven Adams and possibly Fred VanVleet, while the Mavericks, led by rising star Cooper Flagg, sit at 3-1 after a recent win over OKC. With the line at Hou -5.5 and a 4‑0 Cup record guaranteeing playoff berths, the game serves as a critical road test for both teams. Watch on Space City Home Network at 7 p.m. CT.
Rockets stay undefeated with 132-100 win over Bucks
The Houston Rockets extend their perfect start to 5-0 with a 132-100 demolition of the Milwaukee Bucks on Oct. 28, 2026. Fred VanVleet leads the backcourt, posting a career‑best 24 points on 7‑for‑14 shooting, while Amen Thompson adds 23. Kevin Durant contributes 18 points on efficient 5‑for‑9 shooting, and Jabari Smith Jr. scores 14. The Rockets shoot 55% overall and 45% from three, limiting Milwaukee to 40% and dominating the rebounding and fast‑break categories. Despite missing Alperen Şengün, Steven Adams, and Marcus Smart, Houston’s depth shines as Clint Capela and Bogdan Bogdan add double‑digit scoring. The win cements the Rockets as the league’s top team heading into a tougher schedule.
Rockets hope to go to 5-0 tonight in Milwaukee vs. Bucks
The Houston Rockets aim for a 5‑0 start as they travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks on Oct. 28, 2026, at 7 PM CST. The Rockets line up Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant and Tari Eason, while Milwaukee starts Ryan Rollins, Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kyle Kuzma and Myles Turner. The game will be broadcast on Space City Home Network and streamed on the SB Nation app, where fans can join the live chat. Will Houston keep its unbeaten streak?
Rockets 2026-2027 NBA Title window just broke wide open
The Houston Rockets’ 2026‑27 title window suddenly widens as the Oklahoma City Thunder lose key players Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace and Chet Holmgren to injuries, and the San Antonio Spurs struggle with a mismatched three‑guard line‑up. With the Thunder likely missing significant contributors and the Spurs stuck in a roster logjam, the Rockets could climb to the league’s top three if they stay healthy and make a smart, low‑key addition—perhaps a reliable backup big man—rather than chasing high‑profile but underperforming veterans. The article argues that timing and prudent trades are crucial as the offseason market remains thin.
Steven Adams to miss time for Rockets
After the Rockets beat the Atlanta Hawks, coach Ime Udoka reveals veteran center Steven Adams will miss at least one to two weeks. Adams could return between the Celtics game on Nov. 2 and the Nuggets game on Nov. 9. This marks his third injury‑plagued season, raising questions about his reliability and whether Houston should have secured another backup center. The post‑game note also previews the Rockets' next matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Houston Rockets vs. Milwaukee Bucks game preview
The Houston Rockets enter the matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks riding a rare 4‑0 start, their best opening stretch in over a decade. Meanwhile, the Bucks sit at 1‑3 after a win over Indiana, highlighted by Tyler Herro’s 23 points and seven assists. The Bucks, now featuring Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and rookie Nate Ament from the Giannis trade, are hoping to bounce back against a Rockets squad missing Alperen Şengün and Steven Adams. The game airs at 7 p.m. CT on Space City Home Network.
Views from the game: Rockets extend opening streak to four games / TDS chats with Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun
The Houston Rockets start the 2026‑27 season 4‑0, snapping the Atlanta Hawks’ unbeaten run with a 120‑110 win at the Toyota Center. Alperen Şengün sparks the offense, hitting his sixth three‑pointer and finishing with a crucial layup in the third quarter, while Kevin Durant adds 4 blocks and highlights his defensive impact. Injuries sideline Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams (out at least a week) and Marcus Smart (potentially back Wednesday), prompting coach Ime Udoka to adjust the lineup, moving Reed Sheppard to the bench. Post‑game, Udoka praises the team’s chemistry, and Durant and Şengün discuss the strong start and offseason preparations.
Rockets again pluck Hawks 120-110
The Rockets defeat the Hawks 120-110 in a quick turnaround home‑home series, capitalizing on superior two‑point shooting and rebounding despite committing twice as many turnovers (25 vs. 13). Houston shoots 53% overall and dominates the boards 52‑35, while Atlanta slumps at 28% from three. Alperen Sengun leads with 29 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, and Reed Sheppard adds 13 off the bench. Fred VanVleet returns, but injuries sideline Steven Adams and Marcus Smart. The win comes on the road, driven by a 10‑point free‑throw edge and aggressive interior play.
It’s a Two-Fer for You-Fer As Rockets Face Hawks At Home
The Houston Rockets host the Atlanta Hawks at the Toyota Center on Oct. 26, 2026, with tip‑off at 7:30 PM CST (Space City Home Network). Expected lineups feature Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün for Houston, and CJ McCollum, Nikeil Alexander‑Walker, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu for Atlanta. The Rockets are missing Steven Adams (calf) and Marcus Smart (forearm), while the Hawks list Mo Gueye as injured. The game will also be broadcast on KBME Sports Talk 790 and KLTN 102.9 (español).
Can Rockets rely on Steven Adams?
With the Rockets unbeaten at 3‑0, head coach Ime Udoka appears to be shelving veteran center Steven Adams after just one game this season. Adams, plagued by durability issues – 32 games last year and a missed 2023‑24 campaign – raises concerns about the Rockets' long‑term big‑man depth. The article argues the team should consider Oscar Tshiebwe as a backup, noting his 15.1% offensive rebounding rate (8th in the league) as a near‑match to Adams’ 18.9% rank‑3 performance. While Capela remains an option, his limited minutes and defensive liabilities make him a stopgap. The piece warns Houston must secure a reliable front‑court spare or target a 2027 draft prospect soon.
Houston Rockets vs. Atlanta Hawks game preview
The Houston Rockets host the Atlanta Hawks tonight at the Toyota Center, with the Rockets favored by 5.5 points. Houston may see the return of Fred VanVleet—and possibly Marcus Smart—while Steven Adams remains out. The Rockets previously beat the Hawks despite missing three rotation players, holding off a late fourth‑quarter rally. Atlanta, missing Mo Guéye, will be eager to avoid a second loss to Houston and hopes to improve its 27% three‑point shooting. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. CT on Space City Home Network.
Rockets zoom past Hawks 121-114
The Houston Rockets edge the Atlanta Hawks 121‑114 on Oct. 24 at State Farm Arena, snapping a tough back‑to‑back stretch after a grueling road win in Austin. Reed Sheppard leads the offense, posting a key three‑pointer, while Alperen Şengün dominates the paint and Kevin Durant logs 36 minutes. Despite missing Steven Adams, Fred VanVleet and Marcus Smart, the Rockets hold a 7‑0 deficit early, rally with a 20‑point surge, and withstand a late Hawks comeback—Atlanta shoots 49 threes (13 made) versus Houston’s 14 of 28. The win marks the Rockets’ 18‑4 record in Sheppard starts and signals a potentially strongest roster in a decade.
Rockets Fly To Atlanta To Face Soaring Hawks
The Houston Rockets head to State Farm Arena on Oct. 24 to battle the Atlanta Hawks at 7:30 PM CST. The matchup features Rockets stars Amen Thompson—who famously blocked Victor Wembanyama’s late second‑half dunk—alongside Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Şengün. Atlanta lines up CJ “Gollum” McCollum, Dyson “Sphere” Daniels and Jalen Jalenson, while Marcus Smart sits out and Reed Sheppard is confirmed to play. TV coverage airs on Space City Home Network, with radio on KBME 790 and KLTN 102.9 (español).
Houston Rockets vs. Atlanta Hawks game preview
The Dream Shake preview breaks down the upcoming Houston Rockets vs. Atlanta Hawks showdown at the Toyota Center on Monday, Oct. 24, 2026 (7:30 p.m. CT). Both clubs are coming off back‑to‑back road trips, so motivation will be high after the first leg of their home‑and‑away series. Atlanta, bolstered by offseason additions Aaron Wiggins, Lu Dort and rookie guard Kingston Flemings, remains a defensive nightmare with Nickeil Alexander‑Walker, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu posting 2.5+ defensive win shares. C.J. McCollum leads the offense, while the Rockets juggle injuries—Steven Adams and Reed Sheppard are doubtful, VanVleet likely out, and Mo Gueye sits for Atlanta. Expect a close, split‑series game rather than a sweep as both teams chase deep playoff runs.
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