Both of these teams played on the road Friday night but will have to suit up again in State Farm Arena this Saturday. At 7:30 p.m. EDT, the Houston Rockets (23-28; 22-28-1 ATS) and Atlanta Hawks (23-29; 16-36-0 ATS) will collide for the second time this season. Round one went Atlanta's way, 134-127, in Houston's home arena. Can the Rockets get revenge, or are the Hawks going to sweep this season's series?
(Published before both teams finished playing on Friday)
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Houston has had a problem all season when it comes to traveling well. They entered Friday's game 5-18 as the visiting team. Unfortunately for them, Saturday night is another test away from Texas. At least the Rockets have a firm identity, and that is a defense that's seventh in defensive rating this season. Houston allows the 10th-fewest points per game. They excel by holding foes to the third-lowest three-point percentage and 11th-lowest rim shooting percentage. Houston is sixth in defensive rebounding percentage. Forcing turnovers has been an issue. Sending opponents to the free throw line (28th in fta allowed) is an even greater one. Still, the Rockets are tough to score on.
On the offensive end, things aren't as smooth. Houston entered Friday's game 21st in offensive rating. They're 25th in true shooting percentage, with bottom 10 efficiency from all three scoring levels. The Rockets are 19th i n offensive rebounding percentage. Houston's strengths are ball security (7th in turnover percentage) and getting to the free throw line (9th in attempts per game). Can they manage enough points to come out on top this Saturday with Fred VanVleet injured?