Where and How to Watch Atlanta Hawks vs. Houston Rockets: Game Time, Prediction & Odds

The Atlanta Hawks will open their 2025-26 preseason against the Houston Rockets on Monday, October 6, 2025. This highly anticipated matchup at the Toyota Center in Houston tips off at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). Fans can stream the game live on NBA League Pass, subject to regional restrictions.

Both franchises enter this preseason with new storylines and major roster changes. The Hawks are looking to climb the Eastern Conference ladder with an upgraded lineup, while the Rockets hope to overcome a major injury blow and prove they remain a contender in the West.

Game Details and Betting Insights for Hawks vs. Rockets

According to major sportsbooks, the Houston Rockets are slight favorites in this preseason clash. The betting lines currently list the Rockets at -155 on the moneyline, while the Hawks sit at +130. The spread is Houston -3.5, with an over/under total set at 223.5 points.

Houston’s preseason outlook changed dramatically after star guard Fred VanVleet suffered a season-ending ACL injury. This leaves playmaking duties to young guards Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard, who will be tested early. The Rockets will lean heavily on veteran superstar Kevin Durant and breakout center Alperen Sengun, who is coming off a strong showing with Turkey at the 2025 EuroBasket.

Atlanta enters the season with high expectations. Trae Young remains the centerpiece, but the Hawks have added serious talent to support him. New signings include Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard, and Kristaps Porzingis. With Eastern Conference rivals like Boston and Philadelphia dealing with injuries and Milwaukee retooling after Damian Lillard’s exit, the Hawks could emerge as a legitimate playoff force.

Projected Lineups and Key Matchups

Expected starting five for Atlanta: Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, Kristaps Porzingis, and Onyeka Okongwu. For Houston: Aaron Holiday, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun.

The most intriguing matchup could be in the paint, where Porzingis and Okongwu face Sengun, who has become one of the most skilled big men in the league. Trae Young’s duel with Houston’s young backcourt will also be telling, as the Rockets gauge their guard depth after VanVleet’s injury.

Preseason games often feature limited minutes for stars, so Kevin Durant’s availability and usage will be closely monitored. His fit alongside Sengun and Houston’s youthful core could set the tone for the Rockets’ regular season strategy.

Prediction and Early Season Outlook

While preseason outcomes don’t define a season, the Rockets are slightly better positioned to win this opener. Their size, home-court advantage, and Durant-Sengun duo give them a scoring edge. The Hawks will be competitive, especially if Trae Young dictates tempo and Porzingis stretches the floor. However, Houston’s firepower and depth look stronger in this setting.

Prediction: Houston Rockets 112, Atlanta Hawks 106.

The game should provide an early glimpse into how both teams will adapt to offseason changes. Atlanta’s depth and shooting upgrades will be tested, while Houston’s ability to run the offense without VanVleet remains the biggest storyline to watch.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What time does the Atlanta Hawks vs. Houston Rockets game start?

The game tips off at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) on Monday, October 6, 2025.

Q2: Where can fans watch the Hawks vs. Rockets preseason game?

The matchup will be available via NBA League Pass. Regional restrictions may apply.

Q3: Who are the predicted starters for the Hawks and Rockets?

Hawks: Young, Daniels, Johnson, Porzingis, Okongwu. Rockets: Holiday, Thompson, Durant, Smith Jr., Sengun.

Q4: What is the current betting line for Hawks vs. Rockets?

The Rockets are -3.5 favorites, with the total set at 223.5 points.

Q5: Which key players are unavailable?

Houston will miss guard Fred VanVleet due to a season-ending ACL injury.