The San Antonio Spurs had a slight velocity bump on Sunday at dwelling towards the New Orleans Pelicans and are actually on tour towards their in-state rivals in Houston. The Spurs are hardly separated from the fifth seed (2.5), making it crucial to deal with enterprise so that they don’t lose their treasured home-court benefit within the playoffs.
It’s the third of 4 match-ups, and a number of the greatest elements figuring out victory will probably be closing out to the corners quickest and sustaining an edge on the glass. Needless to say Houston is third in isolation frequency, and it’s largely Kevin Durant turning water into wine on these possessions.
San Antonio Spurs (31-15) at Houston Rockets (28-16)
January 28, 2026 8:30 PM CT
Watch: ESPN | Pay attention: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs accidents: Harrison Ingram – G-League, two-way (out), David Jones Garcia- G-League, two-way (out), Jeremy Sochan- left quad soreness (questionable), Stanley Umude- G-League, two-way (out)
Rockets accidents: Steven Adams- left ankle sprain (out), Tristen Newton- G-League, two-way (out), Fred VanVleet- ACL restore (out)
The Spurs have been not too long ago in management towards the Rockets on Jan. 20, however bought pantsed within the fourth quarter, settling for jumpers and getting lit up in all places. Notably, the one shot in seven makes an attempt Victor Wembanyama made late in that sport was at shut vary. When Tuesday’s fourth quarter begins, whether or not it’s down 10 or up 10, count on the Spurs to not play with their meals and be sharp on pick-and-roll protection. The misses and turnovers allowed the Rockets to get out in transition, the place they added seven back-breaking factors, so the Spurs should get again faster.
Reed Sheppard’s fast set off and Houston’s athleticism
Sheppard is a small guard, however he compensates for it by having a number of the quickest palms within the NBA on his jumper. His deep taking pictures ignites them like rocket gas, so he’ll seemingly be performed a lot nearer when off-ball.
Moreover, the Rockets don’t use a conventional level guard, which is a part of the explanation their offense will be suspect. Their greatest playmaker, regardless of not having the very best assist-to-turnover ratio on the workforce, is Alperen Şengün, as a result of he’s a put up risk that causes probably the most overreactions. A good way to decrease his impression is to not play assist protection when Victor guards him. He ought to be high quality if he avoids falling for Turk Nowitzki’s pretend.
As a lot of an offensive risk that Durant nonetheless is in yr 19, Amen Thompson is the following harmful man to take a look at. His game-changing athleticism is barely rivaled on this matchup by Stephon Fort, and he’s a wrecking ball on protection. His torque and first step make him recuperate rapidly when jammed right into a display screen. Offensively, he’s a greater participant than a degree guard and remains to be averaging 5.4 assists, totally on drive-and-kick performs.
Heavy lifting by the celebs
Wembanyama, Fort and De’Aaron Fox bought outplayed by Houston’s star trio of their final matchup. Even when they shoot poorly, their pleasure will make them play extra forcefully towards Houston’s inside, because the workforce solely took 10 free throws on Jan. 20. Anticipate the next frequency of off-ball screens to get them unfastened.
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