A Texas derby between two sides who have started the season on different footing. San Antonio’s three-point guard experiment flopped, and Victor Wembanyama was unable to make his mark on offence. Houston Rockets, meanwhile, have shown a renewed version with more offensive firepower than last season. This will be the first big test they face this season.
Spurs vs Rockets date and time
Date: 23 October 2026, early hours of 24 October European time.
Time: These are the start times for Spurs vs Rockets by time zone.
| Spain (mainland), France and Italy | 03:30 |
| Dominican Republic, USA (Boston, New York and Miami), Puerto Rico and Venezuela | 21:30 |
| Mexico (central), USA (Texas and Chicago), El Salvador, Costa Rica and Nicaragua | 19:30 |
| Mexico (Pacific) and USA (Los Angeles) | 17:30 |
| Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay | 22:30 |
| Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Panama | 20:30 |
Venue: Moody Center, Austin (Texas)
Spurs vs Rockets starting lineups
Until Tobias Harris returns, the Spurs start with three guards, Vassell and the alien. Houston continues with its trusted starting five.
| SPURS | ROCKETS |
| De’Aaron Fox | Fred VanVleet |
| Stephon Castle | Amen Thompson |
| Dylan Harper | Kevin Durant |
| Devin Vassell | Jabari Smith Jr. |
| Victor Wembanyama | Alperen Sengun |
Spurs vs Rockets: best bet
Tighter than one might have thought just a few days ago. Especially until San Antonio manages to fit the pieces together, if it does. Even so, the Spurs should be favourites, if only because of Wembanyama’s desire to prove that the first meeting was a mere slip.
Spurs latest news: injuries and form
- Out: Tobias Harris
- Doubtful: De’Aaron Fox. Keldon Johnson
They come off a tough night against Oklahoma. Mitch Johnson has decided not to overcomplicate the backcourt pecking order and has placed three of his best four players in the starting lineup despite them sharing a position. Fox, Castle and Harper occupied similar areas and clogged the attack due to their lack of outside shooting. That pushed Wemby far away from the basket.
The Alamo side must find balance in their rotations to freshen up their attack, because on defence they are going to be a meat grinder.
Player to watch: Victor Wembanyama
A very disappointing start on offence, while on the other end he remains the best in the world by several body lengths. Victor Wembanyama cannot live nine metres from the basket and take his first shot in the restricted area in the last quarter. That falls on him personally, but also on a game plan that failed to get him to the area where he dominates most. Houston is also a physical team that can push him outside. It is his teammates who must get him back into the paint.
Rockets latest news: injuries and form
- Doubtful: Reed Sheppard, Steven Adams
Houston had very good vibes in their opener. They launched 36 threes, which is not a huge increase on the 31.5 they attempted last season. Yet it felt as though that outside shooting was far more integrated into the team’s idea of play.
An exhibition of intensity and open-court play against a Dallas Mavericks side still full of question marks. It seems Fred VanVleet and Marcus Smart can give this team the control they so craved last season.
Player to watch: Kevin Durant
An imposing debut at 38. Running the fast break, finishing plays with dunks and, as always, with his trademark finesse from mid-range. He could be the biggest beneficiary of the greater joy the Rockets seem to display on offence. The season is long, but a Durant operating in a team that flows and can cover for him at the back at the same time is a very serious proposition.
Spurs vs Rockets: head-to-head record
The Spurs only let one of the four meetings they had with the Rockets last season slip away. All the games were different in nature. They have won two in a row. They also lead the all-time series 122 to 101.
Predictions for Spurs vs Rockets
Victor Wembanyama over 2.5 blocks. The Frenchman comes off 6 blocks against San Antonio and averages 3.5 against the Rockets since making his NBA debut.
Kevin Durant over 23.5 points. A very low points over/under line for one of the best scorers on the planet. It is true he has been scoring little against San Antonio, but this season the Rockets can help him lift his numbers in the head-to-head.
Under 227.5 points. The Spurs do not yet look ready to play a high-scoring game and will try to drag it into the mud. Houston does not shy away from that style of game.
Where to watch Spurs vs Rockets
The match between San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets can be watched in Spain through the NBA League Pass subscription and DAZN.