Rockets Visit Hawks, Both Teams Grappling with Challenges on January 28

Rockets Visit Hawks, Both Teams Grappling with Challenges on January 28

Houston looks to extend its win streak against Atlanta, which is dealing with injuries and recent struggles.

On January 28, 2025, the Houston Rockets took on the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena, with Houston hoping to continue their winning momentum against a Hawks team facing difficulties. The Rockets came into the game with a solid 31-14 record, fresh off a thrilling 114-112 victory over the Boston Celtics, thanks to a clutch game-winner from Amen Thompson, who finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and a key basket with just 0.7 seconds left. Dillon Brooks also had a standout performance, scoring 36 points, including 10 three-pointers.

Meanwhile, the Hawks were reeling from a fifth consecutive loss, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves 100-92. De'Andre Hunter was the standout for Atlanta, setting a career-high with 35 points, but it wasn't enough to secure a win. Injuries to key players, including Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, and Jalen Johnson, left the Hawks shorthanded and made their task even more challenging against a strong Rockets side.

Houston entered the game as 5-point favorites with a total set at 226.5 points. On their third consecutive road game, the Rockets aimed to improve to 17-6 away from home and extend their strong run of eight wins in their last 11 games. The Hawks, with a 11-10 home record, struggled with consistency and their recent stretch of poor performances left fans worried.

Both teams were dealing with injury-related challenges, particularly the Hawks, who had to cope with the absence of star guard Trae Young. This opened the door for players like Keaton Wallace and other young talents to step up. Atlanta’s coach would rely heavily on the bench as they sought to compete against Houston’s top-ranked defense and rebounding unit. The Rockets led the league in rebounds and ranked second for the fewest points allowed per game, demonstrating their strength on both ends of the floor.

Historically, the Rockets and Hawks have been evenly matched, each winning 82 of their previous encounters. The Hawks had swept the season series last year, adding pressure on the Rockets to perform. Fans were eager to see how Houston’s elite defense would hold up against Atlanta’s offense, especially after the Hawks’ recent struggles.

With tip-off scheduled for 7:30 PM ET, anticipation surrounded the game, with analysts favoring Houston’s consistency and Atlanta’s need for stability. Over 25 of the Rockets’ games this season had gone over the betting total, highlighting their high-scoring potential and suggesting they could once again outperform the Hawks.

Despite the odds, the Hawks were expected to fight back at home, hoping to end their losing streak with a strong performance from their remaining healthy players. The matchup intrigued fans and analysts alike, as Atlanta had opportunities to pull off an upset if their key players could find success early. Even with Trae Young’s status uncertain, the game was shaping up to be a fascinating tactical battle.

This game served as another chapter for both franchises—Houston, the surprising contender, and Atlanta, desperate to recapture their earlier form. Fans tuned in not just for the matchup itself but also for the broader storylines surrounding both teams’ roster changes and playoff ambitions.

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