Rockets at Spurs · Recap

Fri, Oct 23 · 9:30 PM ETPrime Video · Moody Center

2-0

Final

114–110

0-2

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	T
HOU	32	29	24	29	114
SAS	27	32	22	29	110

Largest lead HOU 11 pts · 14 lead changes · 9 ties · HOU led 89% of the game

Updated 15 h ago · news 18 h ago · box score via ESPN fetched Oct 24, 12:24 AM ET · source status

HOU

This game

SAS

48.7% FG (38/78)

Field goals

46.0% FG (40/87)

40.0% 3PT (10/25)

3-pointers

32.4% 3PT (12/37)

90.3% FT (28/31)

Free throws

72.0% FT (18/25)

44 reb 8 off · 36 def

Rebounds

40 reb 9 off · 31 def

15 tov

Turnovers

15 tov

46 pts

Points in the paint

48 pts

All team stats (14)

25 ast

Assists

21 ast

11 stl

Steals

10 stl

5 blk

Blocks

3 blk

14 pts

Points off turnovers

18 pts

16 pts

Fast-break pts

18 pts

22 PF

Fouls

26 PF

11 pts

Largest lead

1 pts

89% of the game

Time led

5% of the game

Team totals from the box score via ESPN; ▲ marks the better side.

Final box score

box score via ESPN · final · fetched Oct 24, 12:24 AM ET

Starters	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Kevin Durant F	37 min	20 pts	5-10 FG	2-2 3PT	8-8 FT	7 reb	6 ast	3 tov	0 stl	0 blk	2 PF	+6 +/-
Amen Thompson G	36 min	20 pts	9-15 FG	1-2 3PT	1-1 FT	10 reb	4 ast	2 tov	2 stl	2 blk	3 PF	-12 +/-
Alperen Sengun C	36 min	29 pts	10-20 FG	2-4 3PT	7-8 FT	7 reb	7 ast	3 tov	0 stl	1 blk	2 PF	+3 +/-
Fred VanVleet G	32 min	14 pts	4-10 FG	3-8 3PT	3-4 FT	3 reb	5 ast	0 tov	3 stl	0 blk	2 PF	+5 +/-
Jabari Smith Jr. F	31 min	7 pts	2-5 FG	1-2 3PT	2-2 FT	5 reb	1 ast	2 tov	1 stl	2 blk	4 PF	+12 +/-
Bench	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Tari Eason F	27 min	12 pts	4-8 FG	0-2 3PT	4-4 FT	6 reb	0 ast	1 tov	4 stl	0 blk	3 PF	-7 +/-
Marcus Smart G	21 min	5 pts	1-6 FG	0-4 3PT	3-4 FT	3 reb	1 ast	3 tov	1 stl	0 blk	2 PF	+6 +/-
Bogdan Bogdanovic G	12 min	3 pts	1-2 FG	1-1 3PT	0-0 FT	1 reb	0 ast	1 tov	0 stl	0 blk	0 PF	+1 +/-
Steven Adams C	9 min	4 pts	2-2 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	2 reb	1 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	4 PF	+6 +/-
Team		114 pts	38-78 FG	10-25 3PT	28-31 FT	44 reb	25 ast	15 tov	11 stl	5 blk	22 PF

4 did not play: Clint Capela (coach's decision), Jae'Sean Tate (coach's decision), Isaiah Crawford (coach's decision), Bruce Thornton (coach's decision)

Starters	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Devin Vassell G	36 min	10 pts	3-8 FG	2-5 3PT	2-2 FT	4 reb	2 ast	5 tov	3 stl	0 blk	4 PF	+1 +/-
Dylan Harper G	36 min	20 pts	8-15 FG	1-4 3PT	3-4 FT	3 reb	2 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	2 PF	+4 +/-
De'Aaron Fox G	34 min	19 pts	6-11 FG	2-5 3PT	5-5 FT	4 reb	9 ast	5 tov	2 stl	0 blk	1 PF	-14 +/-
Stephon Castle G	33 min	15 pts	6-15 FG	3-9 3PT	0-1 FT	7 reb	5 ast	1 tov	1 stl	0 blk	5 PF	-3 +/-
Victor Wembanyama F	32 min	25 pts	9-21 FG	2-6 3PT	5-8 FT	13 reb	2 ast	2 tov	0 stl	2 blk	4 PF	+3 +/-
Bench	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Julian Champagnie F	25 min	6 pts	2-5 FG	2-5 3PT	0-0 FT	0 reb	0 ast	1 tov	3 stl	0 blk	1 PF	+7 +/-
Keldon Johnson F	19 min	8 pts	4-7 FG	0-1 3PT	0-0 FT	6 reb	1 ast	1 tov	1 stl	0 blk	4 PF	-6 +/-
Luke Kornet C	16 min	7 pts	2-3 FG	0-0 3PT	3-5 FT	3 reb	0 ast	0 tov	0 stl	1 blk	3 PF	-7 +/-
Harrison Barnes F	5 min	0 pts	0-2 FG	0-2 3PT	0-0 FT	0 reb	0 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	1 PF	+0 +/-
Carter Bryant F	4 min	0 pts	0-0 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	0 reb	0 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	1 PF	-5 +/-
Team		110 pts	40-87 FG	12-37 3PT	18-25 FT	40 reb	21 ast	15 tov	10 stl	3 blk	26 PF

2 did not play: Jordan McLaughlin (coach's decision), Tarris Reed Jr. (coach's decision)

How it went

key plays in our words · scores, lead changes, runs, timeouts and fouls on starters · play-by-play via ESPN

Q1 · HOU 32, SAS 27 (HOU 32–27 SAS in the period)

11:32FoulLoose-ball foul on Smith Jr. (1 PF)
11:103-pointerSengun 3-pt pull-up jumper (assist: VanVleet) · HOU 3–0
10:57BasketWembanyama tip dunk · SAS 2–3
9:543-pointerThompson 3-pt jumper (assist: VanVleet) · HOU 6–2
9:453-pointerFox 3-pt jumper (assist: Vassell) · SAS 5–6
9:28BasketVanVleet pull-up jumper (assist: Sengun) · HOU 8–5
8:14BasketSmith Jr. running dunk (assist: Thompson) · HOU 10–5
7:52FoulShooting foul on VanVleet (1 PF)
7:52Free throwHarper free throw 1 of 2 · SAS 6–10
7:34FoulOffensive foul on Sengun (1 PF)
7:263-pointerCastle 3-pt jumper (assist: Harper) · SAS 9–10
7:03BasketHarper running alley-oop layup (assist: Castle) · SAS 11–10 lead change
6:53BasketSengun driving dunk (assist: VanVleet) · HOU 12–11 lead change
6:44BasketWembanyama alley-oop dunk (assist: Castle) · SAS 13–12 lead change
6:12FoulPersonal foul on Vassell (1 PF)
6:063-pointerVanVleet 3-pt pull-up jumper (assist: Durant) · HOU 15–13 lead change
5:413-pointerVassell 3-pt jumper (assist: Johnson) · SAS 16–15 lead change
5:14BasketAdams alley-oop layup (assist: Durant) · HOU 17–16 lead change
4:54FoulShooting foul on Durant (1 PF)
4:54Free throwKornet free throw 1 of 2 · SAS 17–17
4:36BasketEason cutting layup (assist: Durant) · HOU 19–17
4:24Free throwKornet free throw 1 of 2 · SAS 18–19
4:24Free throwKornet free throw 2 of 2 · SAS 19–19
4:05BasketDurant jumper (assist: Adams) · HOU 21–19
3:52BasketFox driving reverse layup · SAS 21–21
3:46Free throwDurant free throw 1 of 2 · HOU 22–21
3:46Free throwDurant free throw 2 of 2 · HOU 23–21
3:12BasketAdams putback layup · HOU 25–21
2:55Free throwWembanyama free throw 1 of 2 · SAS 22–25
2:45FoulOffensive foul on Smith Jr. (2 PF)
2:15BasketEason running layup (assist: Thompson) · HOU 27–22
2:06Free throwEason free throw 1 of 1 · HOU 28–22
1:55BasketJohnson putback layup · SAS 24–28
1:45FoulShooting foul on Castle (1 PF)
1:45Free throwSmart free throw 1 of 2 · HOU 29–24
1:45Free throwSmart free throw 2 of 2 · HOU 30–24
1:03BasketThompson cutting dunk (assist: Sengun) · HOU 32–24
53.4 s3-pointerWembanyama 3-pt jumper (assist: Fox) · SAS 27–32
0.0 sPeriodEnd of Q1 · HOU 32, SAS 27

Q2 · HOU 61, SAS 59 (HOU 29–32 SAS in the period)

11:43FoulPersonal foul on Castle (2 PF)
11:35BasketDurant pull-up jumper · HOU 34–27
11:04Free throwSengun free throw 1 of 2 · HOU 35–27
11:04Free throwSengun free throw 2 of 2 · HOU 36–27
10:523-pointerFox 3-pt bank jumper (assist: Castle) · SAS 30–36
10:35BasketSengun layup · HOU 38–30
10:043-pointerBogdanovic 3-pt jumper (assist: Sengun) · HOU 41–30
9:59FoulPersonal foul on Smith Jr. (3 PF)
9:243-pointerCastle 3-pt jumper (assist: Harper) · SAS 33–41
9:09FoulShooting foul on Wembanyama (1 PF)
9:09Free throwDurant free throw 1 of 2 · HOU 42–33
9:09Free throwDurant free throw 2 of 2 · HOU 43–33
8:303-pointerWembanyama 3-pt jumper (assist: Castle) · SAS 36–43
6:54BasketCastle running pull-up jumper · SAS 38–43
6:54FoulShooting foul on Durant (2 PF)
6:34BasketVassell pull-up jumper · SAS 40–43 SAS 10–2 run
6:05BasketEason reverse layup · HOU 45–40
5:12BasketHarper driving floater · SAS 42–45
4:53BasketSengun layup (assist: VanVleet) · HOU 47–42
3:48BasketKornet alley-oop dunk (assist: Vassell) · SAS 44–47
3:31BasketThompson driving floater (assist: VanVleet) · HOU 49–44
3:07Free throwSmith Jr. free throw 1 of 2 · HOU 50–44
3:07Free throwSmith Jr. free throw 2 of 2 · HOU 51–44
2:57FoulPersonal foul on Thompson (1 PF)
2:50BasketJohnson floater · SAS 46–51
2:43Free throwDurant free throw 1 of 2 · HOU 52–46
2:43Free throwDurant free throw 2 of 2 · HOU 53–46
2:33BasketFox driving finger-roll layup · SAS 48–53
2:15FoulShooting foul on Vassell (3 PF)
2:15Free throwSmart free throw 2 of 2 · HOU 54–48
2:07BasketHarper driving layup (assist: Fox) · SAS 50–54
1:21BasketWembanyama turnaround jumper · SAS 52–54
1:21Free throwWembanyama free throw 1 of 1 · SAS 53–54
1:06BasketThompson driving dunk · HOU 56–53
54.2 s3-pointerChampagnie 3-pt jumper (assist: Fox) · SAS 56–56
28.1 sBasketThompson putback layup · HOU 58–56
23.3 sBasketWembanyama alley-oop dunk (assist: Castle) · SAS 58–58
23.3 sFree throwWembanyama free throw 1 of 1 · SAS 59–58 lead change
0.0 s3-pointerVanVleet 3-pt jumper (assist: Sengun) · HOU 61–59 lead change
0.0 sPeriodHalftime · HOU 61, SAS 59

Q3 · HOU 85, SAS 81 (HOU 24–22 SAS in the period)

11:28FoulShooting foul on Thompson (2 PF)
11:28Free throwWembanyama free throw 2 of 2 · SAS 60–61
10:46BasketWembanyama running alley-oop dunk (assist: Fox) · SAS 62–61 lead change
10:43FoulShooting foul on Vassell (4 PF)
10:43Free throwDurant free throw 1 of 2 · HOU 62–62
10:43Free throwDurant free throw 2 of 2 · HOU 63–62 lead change
10:083-pointerDurant 3-pt running jumper (assist: Thompson) · HOU 66–62
9:29BasketSengun jumper (assist: Durant) · HOU 68–62
8:48FoulOffensive foul (charge) on Fox (1 PF)
8:24BasketHarper running finger-roll layup · SAS 64–68
8:07BasketJohnson tip-in · SAS 66–68
7:06BasketSengun driving layup · HOU 70–66
6:51BasketFox turnaround fadeaway jumper · SAS 68–70
6:31BasketDurant cutting dunk (assist: Sengun) · HOU 72–68
6:033-pointerVanVleet 3-pt jumper (assist: Durant) · HOU 75–68
5:15FoulShooting foul on Castle (3 PF)
5:15Free throwVanVleet free throw 2 of 2 · HOU 76–68
4:56BasketSmart running layup · HOU 78–68 HOU 10–2 run
4:41Free throwWembanyama free throw 1 of 2 · SAS 69–78
3:233-pointerVassell 3-pt running jumper (assist: Fox) · SAS 72–78
3:04BasketThompson bank jumper · HOU 80–72
2:42Free throwFox free throw 1 of 2 · SAS 73–80
2:42Free throwFox free throw 2 of 2 · SAS 74–80
2:01BasketThompson floater (assist: Smart) · HOU 82–74
1:26BasketWembanyama tip dunk · SAS 76–82
1:13BasketThompson cutting dunk (assist: Durant) · HOU 84–76
1:13FoulShooting foul on Wembanyama (2 PF)
1:13Free throwThompson free throw 1 of 1 · HOU 85–76
1:073-pointerChampagnie 3-pt jumper (assist: Fox) · SAS 79–85
46.1 sFoulShooting foul on Thompson (3 PF)
46.1 sFree throwVassell free throw 1 of 2 · SAS 80–85
46.1 sFree throwVassell free throw 2 of 2 · SAS 81–85
0.0 sPeriodEnd of Q3 · HOU 85, SAS 81

Q4 · HOU 114, SAS 110 (HOU 29–29 SAS in the period)

11:45BasketCastle alley-oop dunk (assist: Wembanyama) · SAS 83–85
10:59FoulShooting foul on Wembanyama (3 PF)
10:59Free throwEason free throw 1 of 2 · HOU 86–83
10:59Free throwEason free throw 2 of 2 · HOU 87–83
10:38BasketEason running layup (assist: Sengun) · HOU 89–83
10:38FoulShooting foul on Harper (1 PF)
10:38Free throwEason free throw 1 of 1 · HOU 90–83
10:31FoulPersonal foul on Sengun (2 PF)
9:503-pointerCastle 3-pt jumper (assist: Wembanyama) · SAS 86–90
9:313-pointerSengun 3-pt jumper (assist: Smith Jr.) · HOU 93–86
9:19BasketFox step-back jumper · SAS 88–93
9:19Free throwFox free throw 1 of 1 · SAS 89–93
8:56BasketKornet running reverse dunk (assist: Fox) · SAS 91–93
8:343-pointerSmith Jr. 3-pt pull-up jumper · HOU 96–91
7:52BasketJohnson reverse layup · SAS 93–96
7:18BasketCastle pull-up bank jumper · SAS 95–96
6:08Free throwHarper free throw 1 of 2 · SAS 96–96
6:08Free throwHarper free throw 2 of 2 · SAS 97–96 lead change
5:51BasketSengun driving reverse layup · HOU 98–97 lead change
5:51Free throwSengun free throw 1 of 1 · HOU 99–97
5:40BasketHarper driving layup · SAS 99–99
5:15BasketThompson tip-in · HOU 101–99
4:58BasketHarper pull-up jumper · SAS 101–101
4:36Free throwSengun free throw 1 of 2 · HOU 102–101
4:36Free throwSengun free throw 2 of 2 · HOU 103–101
4:193-pointerHarper 3-pt step-back jumper · SAS 104–103 lead change
3:49BasketSengun driving reverse layup · HOU 105–104 lead change
3:14Free throwSengun free throw 2 of 2 · HOU 106–104
2:42BasketSengun reverse layup (assist: Thompson) · HOU 108–104
2:42Free throwSengun free throw 1 of 1 · HOU 109–104
2:27Free throwFox free throw 1 of 2 · SAS 105–109
2:27Free throwFox free throw 2 of 2 · SAS 106–109
1:49BasketWembanyama alley-oop dunk (assist: Fox) · SAS 108–109
1:343-pointerDurant 3-pt jumper (assist: Sengun) · HOU 112–108
46.1 sBasketHarper running dunk (assist: Fox) · SAS 110–112
0.6 sFree throwVanVleet free throw 1 of 2 · HOU 113–110
0.6 sFree throwVanVleet free throw 2 of 2 · HOU 114–110
0.0 sPeriodFinal · HOU 114, SAS 110

The game-flow line (win probability): each is a prediction tool, still a work in progress. Turn on Prediction tools to try them. What are prediction tools?

Recap

Sengun's big night carried Rockets past Spurs

Houston beat San Antonio, HOU 114, SAS 110, and led for most of the night. Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 29 pts, 7 reb and 7 ast. Kevin Durant's late three, set up by Sengun, made it HOU 112, SAS 108, and Fred VanVleet's free throws in the final second sealed it.

Sources: Box score via ESPN · Play-by-play via ESPN

Also in the picture (3)

Spurs closed the gap late but never retook the lead
A Victor Wembanyama alley-oop from De'Aaron Fox cut it to HOU 109, SAS 108, and Dylan Harper's running dunk made it HOU 112, SAS 110. San Antonio had no answer after that.
Sources: Play-by-play via ESPN
Wembanyama posted a double-double in the loss
Victor Wembanyama had 25 pts, 13 reb and 2 blk in 32 min on 9-21 FG. Harper added 20 pts.
Sources: Box score via ESPN
Reported Fox played despite being questionable before the game
Our pregame story had Fox listed as questionable. He played 34 min and finished with 19 pts and 9 ast.
Sources: Box score via ESPN · Our pregame story

Recap written Oct 24, 12:38 AM ET by our system from the box score and the posts linked, in our own words. Rumors and opinions are labelled.

Things to watch

set before tip, answered from the box score after

Does De'Aaron Fox play? Yes
Not on the injury list at tip
What happened: Played: 34 min, 19 pts, 4 reb, 9 ast
Does Reed Sheppard play? No
At tip: Out (RotoWire)
What happened: Did not play
Does Steven Adams play? Yes
Not on the injury list at tip
What happened: Played: 9 min, 4 pts, 2 reb, 1 ast

Before the game: the story

Opinion VanVleet's return frees Amen Thompson for his natural role

Fred VanVleet, who missed all of last season, had 11 assists in Wednesday's 128-110 win over Dallas, RotoWire reported. Hosts on Locked On Rockets and All The Smoke said his return moves Amen Thompson back to an off-ball, defensive-stopper role instead of point guard.

Sources: Locked On NBA “GAME NIGHT: Ant/LaMelo SHINE in Debut, Luka talks” at 30:40 · RotoWire note: Fred VanVleet · ESPN: “Kyrie Irving hounded by Rockets in return, held in check in Mavs' blow…” · Locked On Rockets “Rockets Most IMPORTANT Player BESIDES Kevin Durant” at 2:15 · All The Smoke “Jalen Hurts Deserved BETTER Than This” at 51:27

Also in the picture (3)

Reported Wembanyama looks to bounce back from career-worst opener
ESPN reported that Victor Wembanyama shot a career-worst 8% from the field as the Thunder beat the Spurs on opening night. He didn't score until late in the third quarter. Jared Weiss reported that Wembanyama said afterward he needs to have fun out there.
Sources: ESPN: “Spurs' Victor Wembanyama misses first 12 shots in rough opener vs. Thu…” · Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) on X
Opinion Spurs' three-guard lineup raises questions about the second unit
With Dylan Harper now starting alongside Fox and Stephon Castle, Jared Weiss wrote that the bigger worry is the lineups that follow the starters. Locked On Spurs hosts said the bench units lacked playmaking. On The Hoop Collective, Brian Windhorst's show, a speaker said Harper tweaked his ankle in the opener.
Sources: Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) on X · Locked On Spurs “Wemby Wasn't Having Fun vs. OKC, and Jared Weiss S” at 3:05, 3:12, 14:11 · Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective “Full Opening Night Reaction - What Stars Made Majo” at 45:43
Rumor Sheppard questionable as reports say his role is shrinking
Reed Sheppard (knee) and Steven Adams (calf) are both questionable for Houston. A guest on The Zach Lowe Show said Sheppard has been buried on the bench behind newcomer Marcus Smart and called him a possible trade piece. A Hardwood Knocks host expects him to see limited usage this year.
Sources: Reed Sheppard status (ESPN) · Steven Adams status (ESPN) · The Zach Lowe Show “Opening Night Overreactions, Alarming Trends, Hot” at 58:49 · Hardwood Knocks “2026-27 NBA Awards Predictions AND Wild Card Picks” at 58:09 · Roster: Marcus Smart

Written by our system from the reports, posts and podcasts linked here, in our own words; written Oct 23, 2:30 PM ET, before tip. Rumors and opinions are labelled.

Since the final

posted after the final · newest first · official report, X, Bluesky, RotoWire, ESPN

RotoWireHOUAlperen Sengun18 h ago
Alperen Sengun: Double-double in win over Hawks — Sengun had 17 points (6-12 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 10 rebounds, seven assists and one steal in 33 minutes during Saturday's 121-114 win over Atlanta.
RotoWire · Original ↗
RotoWireHOUAmen Thompson18 h ago
Amen Thompson: Extends double-double streak Saturday — Thompson finished with 17 points (4-12 FG, 9-9 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists and one steal over 39 minutes during Saturday's 121-114 win over the Hawks.
RotoWire · Original ↗
ESPNHOUFred VanVleetDay-to-day21 h ago
VanVleet (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Hawks.
Right, Knee (return est. 2026-10-26)ESPN · Original ↗
ESPNHOUMarcus SmartDay-to-day21 h ago
Smart (forearm) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Hawks, Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Left, Forearm, Strain (return est. 2026-10-26)ESPN · Original ↗also reported by @UnderdogNBA
ESPNHOUSteven AdamsDay-to-day21 h ago
Adams (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Hawks.
Left, Ankle (return est. 2026-10-26)ESPN · Original ↗
RotoWireHOUReed Sheppard31 h ago
Reed Sheppard: Nets 19 points with seven assists — Sheppard totaled 19 points (7-13 FG, 5-11 3Pt), six rebounds, seven assists, two steals and three turnovers across 30 minutes in Saturday's 121-114 win over the Hawks.
RotoWire · Original ↗
RotoWireSASVictor Wembanyama32 h ago
Victor Wembanyama: Swats four shots in Saturday's win — Wembanyama posted 23 points (9-18 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 3-5 FT), seven rebounds, two assists, four blocks and one steal over 29 minutes in a 122-106 win over the Mavericks on Saturday.
RotoWire · Original ↗
RotoWireSASDe'Aaron Fox32 h ago
De'Aaron Fox: Nets 19 points with full line in win — Fox recorded 19 points (6-11 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 5-7 FT), three rebounds, nine assists, three steals and one block over 28 minutes in Saturday's 122-106 win over the Mavs.
RotoWire · Original ↗

Show 9 older items

RotoWireHOUReed SheppardAvailable34 h ago
Reed Sheppard: Starting vs. Atlanta — Sheppard is in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Hawks, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.
Will Guillory of The Athletic · Original ↗also reported by RotoWire, @UnderdogNBA, ESPN
XHOU34 h ago
Hawks have their usual starters. Rockets are starting Reed Sheppard in place of Fred VanVleet.
@KLChouinard · View on X
XHOUMarcus SmartQuestionable39 h ago
Marcus Smart (forearm) downgraded to questionable Saturday.
@UnderdogNBA · View on X
RotoWireSASTobias HarrisOut40 h ago
Tobias Harris: Out vs. Dallas — Harris (calf) is out for Saturday's game against the Mavericks.
RotoWire · Original ↗also reported by ESPN
BlueskyHOU41 h ago
Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams are out for the Rockets. Reed Sheppard is listed as questionable.
@btrowland.bsky.social · View on Bluesky
XHOUReed SheppardQuestionable41 h ago
Reed Sheppard (knee) listed questionable Saturday.
@UnderdogNBA · View on Xalso reported by RotoWire
XHOUSteven AdamsOut41 h ago
Steven Adams (injury management) listed out Saturday.
@UnderdogNBA · View on X
XHOUFred VanVleetOut41 h ago
Fred VanVleet (injury management) listed out Saturday.
@UnderdogNBA · View on X
RotoWireHOUAmen ThompsonOct 24
Amen Thompson: Heroic performance Friday — Thompson closed Friday's 114-110 victory over the Spurs with 20 points (9-15 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals over 36 minutes.
RotoWire · Original ↗

Injuries at tip

official report Oct 23 · as of tip, Oct 23, 9:30 PM ET

HOU Houston Rockets

Started Durant, Thompson, Sengun, VanVleet, Smith Jr. box score

Reed SheppardOut
Reed Sheppard: Won't play Friday — Sheppard (knee) is out for Friday's game in San Antonio.
RotoWire Oct 23

SAS San Antonio Spurs

Started Vassell, Harper, Fox, Castle, Wembanyama box score

Jayden QuaintanceOut
Earlier (ESPN, Oct 5): Quaintance has been around the team but has not yet been cleared for basketball activities, Matt Guzman of SI.com reports.
Right, Knee, Surgery (return est. 2026-12-03) · NBA report Oct 23
Tobias HarrisOut
Tobias Harris: Ruled out for Friday — Harris (calf) is out for Friday's game against the Rockets.
RotoWire Oct 22

Latest news

posted before tip · newest first · official report, X, Bluesky, RotoWire, ESPN

XHOUSteven AdamsAvailableOct 23
Steven Adams (calf) listed available to play Friday.
@UnderdogNBA · View on X
ESPNHOUReed SheppardOutOct 23
Sheppard (knee) is out for Friday's game in San Antonio.
Left, Knee, Bruise (return est. 2026-10-24)ESPN · Original ↗

Schedule & travel · referees

	HOU	SAS
Days of rest	1	2
Back-to-back	No	No
Games in last 7 days	1	1
Travel to this game (est.)	186 mi	0 mi
Travel last 7 days (est.)	186 mi	0 mi
Time zones crossed	0	0
Road trip game #	1	—

Travel is the straight-line distance between arenas from the schedule, an estimate; in the first week they include preseason games. These numbers describe the schedule; they are not a prediction of how a team will play.

Referees: Kevin Cutler, Ashley Moyer-Gleich, Brandon Adair

After the game

posted after the final · newest 27 h ago · sources checked 5 h ago · each item links to where it came from

HOU Houston Rockets

News ESPN · Story · 31 h ago
Durant scores 22, Sheppard hits five 3-pointers to lead Rockets to a win in Atlanta's home opener
— Kevin Durant scored 22 points and both Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason had 19 points as the Houston Rockets beat the Atlanta Hawks 121-114.
source ↗
Availability Locked On NBA · 1 points · 27 h ago
- Tony says Steven Adams got hurt, which disrupted the Rockets' identity. Fred VanVleet, who missed all of last season, did not play as the Rockets beat the Hawks in Atlanta to reach 3-0. No reason was given for VanVleet's absence. at 17:10
“Are the Miami Heat Already in PANIC Mode After NIGHTMARE Start? Golden State Warriors LOOK Helpless” · listen ↗
Bluesky Varun Shankar (@byvarunshankar.bsky.social) · Report · 35 h ago
Reed Sheppard will play tonight. Marcus Smart is out. TBD if Sheppard will start.
original post ↗
Bluesky Varun Shankar (@byvarunshankar.bsky.social) · Report · 37 h ago
Injury report for tonight — might we see Bruce Thornton tonight?
original post ↗
Availability Numbers on the Board host · Report · 40 h ago
Rockets don't have Reed Sheppard right now; no reason given. A host was surprised Steven Adams is healthy (he got injured in January).
“20 Things We Have Learned So Far | Numbers On The Board” at 1:33:35 · listen ↗

SAS San Antonio Spurs

News ESPN · Story · 31 h ago
Wembanyama, Harper lead Spurs past short-handed Mavericks 122-106 for their first victory
— Victor Wembanyama had 23 points, seven rebounds and four blocks, Dylan Harper scored 22 points and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Dallas Mavericks 122-106 on Saturday night for their first victory of the season.
source ↗
Availability Locked On Spurs · 3 points · 30 h ago
- Devin Brown: Host says the Spurs were at full strength, with no injuries to report. at 2:18
- The Spurs opened the fourth quarter with an 11-2 run in the first three minutes, moving away from the three-guard lineup the hosts have been discussing. at 3:50
- Mitch Johnson's fourth-quarter lineup was Harper, Champagnie, Castle, Vassell and Tarris Reed Jr, with Reed in place of Luke Kornet. The host says this lineup got things going. at 4:05
“SPURS POSTCAST: Wembanyama, Dylan Harper & Co. Find Form, HAMMER Undermanned Mavericks For First Win” · listen ↗
News ESPN · Story · 45 h ago
Amen Thompson stuffs Wembanyama's last-second shot as Rockets hold off Spurs
Amen Thompson blocked Victor Wembanyama at the rim to prevent a potential tying bucket as the Rockets beat the Spurs 114-110.
source ↗
RotoWire RotoWire · Report · 31 h ago
Dylan Harper: Tallies 22 points in Saturday's win — Harper finished Saturday's 122-106 win over Dallas with 22 points (9-18 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 1-1 FT), five rebounds, two assists and two steals over 28 minutes.
source ↗

Reporters, insiders and team podcasts after the final. Podcast items are our short summaries, credited to who said it. Rumors and opinions are labelled and are not checked facts.

Before the game, they said

newest Oct 22 · reporters, insiders, ESPN and team podcasts · each item links to where it came from

HOU Houston Rockets

Rotation The Zach Lowe Show host · Report · Oct 22
The guest says Houston buried Reed Sheppard on the bench, with Marcus Smart taking many of his minutes. He frames Sheppard as a possible trade piece.
“Opening Night Overreactions, Alarming Trends, Hot Takes, and More!” at 58:49 · listen ↗
Availability Locked On NBA host · Report · Oct 22
Fred VanVleet returned for Houston after the team did not have him all last year.
“GAME NIGHT: Ant/LaMelo SHINE in Debut, Luka talks trash, Ty Jerome goes OFF” at 30:40 · listen ↗
Rotation All The Smoke host · Analysis · Oct 21
Rockets: with Fred VanVleet back, Amen Thompson slides back to his natural position after being played out of position at point guard.
“Jalen Hurts Deserved BETTER Than This” at 51:27 · listen ↗

SAS San Antonio Spurs

Availability Locked On Spurs · 2 points · Oct 22
- Tobias Harris is currently not playing. A host said he may return "at some point in the near future" and could be the difference-maker as a secondary creator. No reason for his absence was given. at 21:18
- The Spurs used a three-guard lineup against OKC. One host said that lineup was not inherently the problem; the second units were what failed. at 3:05
“Wemby Wasn't Having Fun vs. OKC, and Jared Weiss Says He Needs to Play More Structured to Get Better” · listen ↗
Rotation Locked On Spurs · 2 points · Oct 21
- Matthew Tynan: The host expects Tobias Harris's return to change a lot and says the starting lineup after he returns is still to be seen. at 7:46
- A co-host found the rotation disjointed, with more subbing in and out than last season. By contrast, last season the team mostly stuck with a lineup. at 4:57
“The Spurs Looked Weird in Season Opener vs. OKC, Can They Figure it out Before Facing Houston?” · listen ↗
Availability Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective host · Report · Oct 21 partly checked episode
Dylan Harper tweaked his ankle in the second half (late third or early fourth). He finished the game with 18 points, but the speaker felt he lacked the same explosion afterward.
“Full Opening Night Reaction - What Stars Made Major Statements?” at 45:43 · listen ↗

Podcast items are our short summaries, credited to who said it. Rumors and opinions are labelled and are not checked facts. Each visit shows a different mix of the latest items; the first two are the most newsworthy.

Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs, Fri, Oct 23: final, Rockets 114, Spurs 110

This game

Final box score

How it went

Q4 · HOU 114, SAS 110 (HOU 29–29 SAS in the period)

Sengun's big night carried Rockets past Spurs

Things to watch

Opinion VanVleet's return frees Amen Thompson for his natural role

Since the final

Injuries at tip

HOU Houston Rockets

SAS San Antonio Spurs

Latest news