Previewing the Atlanta Hawks’ Saturday tilt with the Houston Rockets.
The Atlanta Hawks will once again be on the road on Saturday, facing off against the Rockets in Houston.
It’s the first meeting on the year between the two inter-league opponents, and both of their match ups last year went in favor of Houston.
Their first meeting last year, back in February, was notable as the Hawks stopped James Harden‘s then 32-game streak of scoring 30 or more. He only got 28, while Trae Young got 36 for himself.
Those two will be the key match up to watch in the game, as is the case any of the top scorers in the league go head-to-head.
Harden has been up to his usual MVP-caliber stuff on the year, and along with his once again partner in crime, Russell Westbrook, the Rockets themselves are off to a good start.
The hopeful contenders are 12-6 overall, and have won 7 of their last 10.
Meanwhile, Atlanta is 4-15, and carries a league-high 9 game losing streak into the Toyota Center.
If you’re expecting the Rockets to be heavy favorites because of this, you’d be right. The Action Network currently has the line set at -13.5 for the home team.
Atlanta will likely need another scoring outburst from their young star to keep things interesting, and if they’re able to keep Harden under 30 again, even better.
The Hawks do have a near empty injury report at the moment, which certainly helps. The downside is that the one name on the list is Kevin Huerter, who they have desperately missed while he’s been out with a shoulder injury.
The Rockets’ medical report is also filled by just one name, with their starting Center Clint Capela likely out.
It should be a fun one between two of the offensive giants of the NBA right now.
Tip is scheduled for 8:00 Eastern tonight.