Hawks Look to Snap Five-Game Skid as They Return Home to Face Houston Rockets

The Atlanta Hawks find themselves in a rough patch, dropping five straight games and falling to a 22-24 record after a recent 92-100 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 27. Despite the setbacks, the Hawks are hoping to bounce back when they face the Houston Rockets tonight at the award winning State Farm Arena in a rescheduled matchup initially slated for January 11.

Recent Struggles

During their losing streak, Atlanta has faced tight contests but struggled to close games. Their recent losses include a narrow 119-122 defeat against the Toronto Raptors on January 23 and a tough 94-117 blowout in a rematch two nights later. The Timberwolves game, despite missing Dyson Daniels, saw the Hawks tally 10 steals — marking their NBA-leading 31st double-digit steal game of the season.

The Hawks will face challenges with key players on the injury list:

• Trae Young (right hamstring tightness): Questionable

• Kobe Bufkin (right shoulder surgery): Out

• Jalen Johnson (left shoulder injury): Out

• Cody Zeller (not with team): Out

Young’s status will be closely monitored, as his playmaking and scoring ability are crucial to Atlanta’s offensive game plan.

Individual Standouts

• De’Andre Hunter: Hunter dropped a career-high 35 points against Minnesota, becoming only the second NBA bench player this season to achieve that feat. He continues to lead all NBA reserves with 19.3 points per game and is one 20-point outing away from tying Jamal Crawford for third-most in franchise history.

• Keaton Wallace: The two-way guard has impressed in his three starts, averaging 15.7 points, 7.0 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game, including a 13-point, seven-assist effort against Minnesota.

• Clint Capela: Capela posted his 11th double-double of the season against the Timberwolves with 10 points and 15 rebounds. He is just six double-doubles away from tying Dominique Wilkins for 12th-most in franchise history.

• Zaccharie Risacher: The rookie returned to action with 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals. He joins Dominique Wilkins and John Drew as the only Hawks rookies to tally 400+ points, 100+ rebounds, 40+ assists, 30+ steals, and 20+ blocks through their first 40 games.

Looking Ahead

Atlanta has won six of their last eight meetings against Houston, including a season sweep last year.

With standout performances from Hunter, Capela, Wallace, and the promising Risacher, Atlanta aims to lean on their strong defense and turn recent lessons into victories. Hawks fans will be watching closely as the team strives to get back on track and regain momentum.

Stay tuned…