The Houston Rockets secured a narrow 100-96 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, thanks largely to Jalen Green's impressive 25-point performance.

Despite the Hawks initially taking control with a strong first quarter, the Rockets managed to claw back, led by Green's offensive surge in the second period. The Rockets outshot the Hawks but struggled with turnovers, allowing Atlanta to maintain a slim lead at halftime.

In a tense final quarter, Houston established a 16-point lead before Atlanta made a late push, but Alperen Sengun sealed the game with crucial free throws.

Reed Sheppard has made a notable impact in his first two games in the G-League, showcasing his scoring and playmaking abilities. In his debut, he scored 49 points, demonstrating his shooting prowess with eight three-pointers, complemented by six assists. His second outing saw him contribute 19 points along with seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals. This shift to the G-League has been beneficial for Sheppard, allowing him to regain his rhythm after a shaky start with the Houston Rockets.

While with the Rockets, Sheppard struggled to find consistent playing time and was averaging a modest 3.3 points in limited minutes. His transition to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers has rejuvenated his confidence, reminiscent of his successful Summer League performances. The Rockets, known for their depth, have several players, including Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, logging significant minutes, further complicating Sheppard's path to regular playing time.

The Houston Rockets narrowly defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 119-115, showcasing strong performances from Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, who scored 32 and 27 points respectively. Houston capitalized on Memphis's 20 turnovers, asserting control early in the game. After a brief timeout by Memphis, the Rockets maintained momentum with a 10-point lead, aided by Fred VanVleet's two key three-pointers.

In the second quarter, Cam Whitmore contributed significantly, helping to fend off a Grizzlies comeback. Although Memphis shot better overall, the Rockets maintained a slight edge at halftime with Sengun leading the scoring.

The second half saw fluctuating fortunes, with Memphis initially taking the lead. As the game progressed, Houston regained momentum thanks to Green and VanVleet, setting the stage for a tense finish. With under three minutes left, Ja Morant's free throws closed the gap to a single point.

In the final moments, VanVleet's clutch step-back jumper gave the Rockets a three-point lead. Memphis had an opportunity to tie the game but saw their late three-pointer waved off. A lane violation allowed Houston to seal the victory at the free-throw line, ensuring a hard-fought win as they prepare to face the Atlanta Hawks next.

The Houston Rockets are grappling with a slew of injuries that have significantly impacted their rotation. Key players like Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason are sidelined, forcing the team to adapt quickly. Smith Jr. has been a standout performer, showcasing improved shooting and defensive skills, but his recent broken hand will keep him out for an extended period. Meanwhile, Eason's unspecified injury continues to hinder the team's wing depth.

With Amen Thompson also missing time due to suspension, the Rockets have struggled defensively against opposing star players. Cam Whitmore emerges as a promising option to fill the gaps left by the injured players. Despite a rocky start to the season, Whitmore's effort and shooting ability position him as a key contributor. However, the team may need to explore additional options, as veterans Jae'Sean Tate and Jeff Green have shown limitations on offense.

The Houston Rockets faced the Boston Celtics with unexpected changes, as Jabari Smith Jr. was sidelined with a broken hand, leading to Jeff Green starting for the first time this season. Green, who had mostly been a bench player, credited the 'Stay Ready Crew' for his preparedness, a group of non-rotation players who train hard to stay in shape for their moment in the spotlight.

This crew includes players like Aaron Holiday, Jae'Sean Tate, and Cam Whitmore, who have stepped up amidst a series of injuries affecting key players like Tari Eason and Dillon Brooks. Coach Ime Udoka emphasized the importance of depth as the team approaches the season's halfway mark, noting that players who have not featured prominently are now crucial to the team's success.

The 'Stay Ready Crew' is coordinated by assistant coach Cam Hodges and focuses on keeping players engaged and prepared for game time. They engage in competitive practice sessions, and the atmosphere is both intense and fun. The Rockets have a system of rewards for competitive spirit, including a 'high-testosterone chain' for the most energetic player and a wrestling-style belt for the winning practice team. This initiative has proven effective, with players like Tate excelling in their roles, thanks to the preparation provided by the crew.