Two undefeated teams meet Saturday night as the Atlanta Hawks host the Houston Rockets.
Both teams will make noise this year, but Houston has been more impressive early, and I'm taking it to win in my Rockets vs. Hawks prediction. Let's break down my free NBA picks for Saturday, Oct. 24.
TOP PICK
Rockets vs Hawks prediction: Rockets moneyline
Both teams have looked great early in the season, with the Houston Rockets knocking off the San Antonio Spurs on the road and the Atlanta Hawks picking up two away wins.
But it's Houston that looks to have the more impressive talent overall. Veteran Kevin Durant doesn't have to carry the load alone, as Alperen Sengun (26.0 ppg) looks ready to step up and share the scoring load this year.
Atlanta has held opponents to 103.0 ppg over its first two outings, but it hasn't yet played an offense as deep or as efficient as Houston's. The Rockets love to play as slow as possible, and yet are still scoring 121.0 ppg to start the year.
I like Houston to win outright on the road tonight at up to 55%.
COVERS INTEL: Houston ranks fifth in offensive rating (122.6) and offensive impact (+19.7) early in the 2026-27 season, after finishing 7th in both categories last year.
Rockets vs Hawks combo
Houston played at the NBA's second-slowest pace last season and still ranks among the league's slower teams early in the new campaign. The Rockets have allowed only 110.0 ppg so far this year, and combined with Atlanta's outstanding defensive start, I love the Under tonight.
I'm also taking Sengun to score at least 20 points tonight. Sengun has scored at least 23 points in his first two games and has been dominant in the paint while stretching the floor with multiple threes per night.
He'll cause Atlanta enough trouble to get to his 20+ point target tonight.
Rockets vs Hawks combo
- Rockets ML
- Under 227.5
- Alperen Sengun 20+ points
Rockets vs Hawks player props
Rockets player prop: Kevin Durant Over 34.5 points + rebounds + assists
Kevin Durant may not be the exact same player he was in his prime, but he hasn't shown many signs of slowing down at age 38. Durant is putting up 25.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game so far this season.
Last year, Durant averaged 36.3 PRA per game for the Rockets. He hasn't had a season where his PRA total dipped below 35 since 2008-09, just his second in the league.
Unless Durant shows a significant dip in production, he's a great PRA pick on most nights, and I'm backing him to get 35+ PRA at up to 50%.
Hawks player prop: Jalen Johnson Over 5.5 assists
Jalen Johnson proved he was one of the NBA's best triple-double machines last year, picking up 13 during the regular season. That's largely due to his emergence as an excellent passer; he averaged 7.9 assists per game last season, by far a career high for the former Duke Blue Devils star.
Johnson looks to be off to a similar start this year, picking up at least six assists in each of his first two games. Houston will slow down the game tonight, but six assists is close to the floor for Johnson, one he hit in 56 of his 72 appearances last season.
I'm happily backing Johnson to pick up 6+ assists at 67% or less tonight.
- Top picks: 1-1, -0.07 units
- Combos: 0-2, -2.00 units
Rockets vs Hawks odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Rockets +1.5 | Hawks -1.5
- Over/Under: Over 227.5 | Under 227.5
- Moneyline: Rockets 49%| Hawks 52%
For the full slate of NBA matchups, check out our NBA odds board!
Rockets vs Hawks trend
The Rockets are 4-0 straight up against the Hawks in their last four meetings. Find more NBA betting trends.
How to watch Rockets vs Hawks
| Location | State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA |
| Date | Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 |
| Tipoff | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBA League Pass |
Rockets vs Hawks latest injuries
Check out our NBA injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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