One of the league’s hottest teams meets one searching for answers as the Hawks visit the Rockets. Atlanta rides the NBA’s longest active win streak, while Houston looks to rediscover its edge. Momentum versus urgency sets the tone for this matchup.

Catch the game tomorrow, March 20th, at 8:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Atlanta Hawks (38-31, 19-15 ROAD)

Projected starting five:

  • CJ McCollum
  • Nickeil Alexander-Walker
  • Dyson Daniels
  • Jalen Johnson
  • Onyeka Okongwu

The Hawks are on fire, riding an 11-game winning streak – the longest active run in the league – while posting a dominant +13.8 net rating in that span. Everything is clicking right now, from ball movement to defensive intensity, and it’s showing in the results. Still, there’s a bit of unfinished business here after a 104-86 loss to Houston last January 30, a game where Jalen Johnson was sidelined.

Johnson has since emerged as the franchise centerpiece, stuffing the stat sheet with his all-around brilliance. Alongside him, Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been on a heater, averaging 25.3 points on an efficient 55.5% shooting over his last seven games. That scoring punch has added another layer to an already dangerous offense.

Depth has been a major factor in Atlanta’s surge. Dyson Daniels brings defensive versatility, Onyeka Okongwu controls the paint, and veteran CJ McCollum adds poise and shot-making. This is a complete, confident group, and their belief is growing by the day.

HOME: Houston Rockets (41-27, 23-10 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Amen Thompson
  • Tari Eason
  • Kevin Durant
  • Jabari Smith Jr.
  • Alperen Sengun

The Rockets are in a very different place, going just 4-6 over their last 10 games and coming off back-to-back losses to the Lakers where Luka Dončić had his way with them. The energy hasn’t been great, and the body language has raised some concerns, especially for a team with this much talent.

Kevin Durant remains the steady force, capable of putting up points against anyone, and he’ll look to build off his 31-point performance in their earlier win over Atlanta. Around him, the young core of Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Reed Sheppard still offers plenty of promise, but consistency has been lacking.

Sengun, in particular, needs to rediscover the form he showed earlier in the season. Houston’s offense flows best when he’s actively creating and scoring. With a red-hot Hawks team coming in, the Rockets will need urgency, focus, and a serious lift in energy if they want to flip the script.

PICKS

Spread: Rockets (-3.5)
Over/Under: Over (228)