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Rockets' offensive rebounding meets a fast Hawks team Monday

Houston grabbed more of its own misses than any team last season, while Atlanta wants to speed up a Rockets side that played near the slowest pace.

Houston's offensive rebound rate of 34.8% led the league last season
Atlanta's pace of 103.3 ranked seventh; Houston's 98.2 ranked 29th
Houston won the first meeting 121-114 on Saturday

Published October 26, 2026 at 9:01 AM1 min read How this story was written

Final

Atlanta Hawks

Houston Rockets

Box score and plays

The Houston Rockets (52-30), the league's best offensive rebounding team, host the Atlanta Hawks (46-36) on Monday at 8:30 PM ET, with second chances against tempo deciding the second meeting of the season. Records and rankings are from last season.

Houston grabbed 34.8% of its own misses, first in the league. A Hawks defense that allowed an effective field goal percentage of 54.6 (19th) can see a stop turn into another Rockets possession. Atlanta's defensive rebound rate of 74.5% ranked ninth, the same mark as Houston's.

Pace sets the other contest. Atlanta played at 103.3 possessions, seventh in the league. Houston played at 98.2, 29th, and its three-point rate of 35% was 28th. The Hawks get more shots up when the game runs; the Rockets slow it down.

Kevin Durant scored 26 points a game for Houston and shot 52% from the field. Alperen Sengun added 8.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists, the team lead in both.

Jalen Johnson averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists for Atlanta. Dyson Daniels led the Hawks with two steals a game, and the team forced turnovers on 13.2% of opponent possessions, sixth in the league.

Houston's Steven Adams is out, with a return listed for Wednesday, October 28, and Marcus Smart is questionable. Atlanta's Keshon Gilbert and Jalen Wilson are doubtful, and Mouhamed Gueye is out until Friday, November 20.

Houston won the first meeting Saturday, 121-114 in Atlanta. The Hawks had opened the season with a 128-81 win at Charlotte.

Sportsbooks' prices give the Rockets a 65% chance to win Monday's game at Houston's home arena. Keel's projection, built from the players available, puts it at 61%.