Spurs And Rockets Battle For Southwest Division Supremacy

The Southwest Division was buzzing with anticipation as the San Antonio Spurs rolled into Houston to face the Rockets on January 20, 2026, in a pivotal Western Conference showdown. Both teams entered the contest riding momentum, with the Spurs boasting a 30-13 record and a three-game winning streak, while the Rockets stood at 25-15, fresh off two consecutive victories. The Toyota Center crowd was electric, knowing full well the stakes: the Spurs, second in the West, and the Rockets, holding fifth, were set to battle for divisional supremacy and playoff positioning.

San Antonio’s resurgence this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Victor Wembanyama, in his third NBA campaign, has blossomed into a bona fide superstar, leading the Spurs with averages of 24.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. His dominance in the paint and growing perimeter threat—highlighted by a recent career-high seven three-pointers in a 33-point outing—have made him a matchup nightmare. The Spurs’ supporting cast has also stepped up: De’Aaron Fox (20.4 points, 6.0 assists) and rookie sensation Stephon Castle (17.1 points, 7.0 assists) form one of the league’s most dynamic backcourts, while Keldon Johnson’s sharpshooting (13.3 points, 42.0% from three) stretches defenses.

“Our chemistry is really coming together,” Fox noted after their recent win over Utah. “Everyone’s buying in, and it’s showing on both ends.” That 123-110 victory over the Jazz underscored San Antonio’s balanced attack and defensive prowess. The Spurs rank fifth in NETRTG (+5.3), eighth in scoring (117.8 PPG), and seventh in points allowed (112.9 PPG). They’re also among the league’s elite on the glass, pulling down 54.9 rebounds per game (seventh) and ranking fourth in defensive rebounding percentage. Their ability to limit turnovers (fifth-fewest in the NBA) and move the ball (26.0 assists per game) has been a hallmark of Gregg Popovich’s system, even with the legendary coach’s presence now felt through his protégé’s leadership.

Yet, the Spurs faced adversity heading into Houston. Devin Vassell, a key two-way wing, was ruled out with an adductor injury, thinning their rotation. Still, the starting five—Fox, Castle, Julian Champagnie, Harrison Barnes, and Wembanyama—offered a blend of youth, experience, and versatility. Barnes, in particular, has been a steadying veteran presence, having led the team with 24 points in their previous win over Houston.

On the other side, the Rockets have been nearly invincible at home, coming in with a 14-3 record at Toyota Center. Newcomer Kevin Durant has seamlessly integrated into Houston’s system, leading the team with 26.1 points per game and flirting with the coveted 50/40/90 shooting splits. “It’s been a smooth transition,” Durant said earlier this week. “The guys here want to win, and we’re figuring out how to do it together.” Alperen Sengun has emerged as a force in the paint (21.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists), while Amen Thompson (18.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists) and Jabari Smith Jr. (15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds) round out a versatile, athletic frontcourt.

Houston’s identity centers on rebounding and defense. The Rockets lead the NBA with 60.1 rebounds per game and boast the league’s best offensive rebounding percentage. Their defense, anchored by Sengun and a rotating cast of athletic forwards, allows just 110.7 points per game (fourth) and ranks eighth in opponent effective field goal percentage. However, injuries have tested their depth: Tari Eason was questionable with a right ankle sprain, while Steven Adams (ankle) and Fred VanVleet (ACL repair) were ruled out, forcing Houston to lean even more on their young core and Durant’s leadership.

The previous matchup between these teams saw the Spurs prevail 121-110 in San Antonio, with Castle dishing a double-double (14 points, 13 assists) and Barnes leading with 24 points. Notably, Fox was absent for that contest, adding intrigue to this rematch as he returned to the lineup. For Houston, Sengun’s near triple-double (25 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists) wasn’t enough as the supporting cast struggled to keep pace.

As tipoff approached, oddsmakers pegged the Rockets as 4.5-point favorites at home, with the over/under set around 221.5 points. Betting splits were close, with a slight majority backing the Spurs against the spread and a significant lean toward the over. The SportsLine Projection Model, simulating the game 10,000 times, projected Wembanyama to average 20.5 points and Durant 24.6, with both teams expected to have multiple double-digit scorers. The model also noted, “The total has gone Over in two of the last three head-to-head meetings between the Spurs and Rockets.”

The keys to the matchup were clear. For San Antonio, controlling the tempo and leveraging their backcourt’s defensive edge—particularly against Houston’s dynamic guards—was paramount. Castle and Fox have built a reputation for stifling opposing point guards, and their ability to disrupt Houston’s perimeter attack would be critical. On offense, the Spurs’ balanced scoring and interior dominance, especially with Adams sidelined for the Rockets, gave them a potential edge in the paint.

Houston, meanwhile, aimed to capitalize on its home-court advantage and rebounding dominance. Without Adams, the Rockets needed big contributions from Sengun and Smith Jr. to contend with Wembanyama’s length and athleticism. Durant’s recent scoring tear (25.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists over his last five games) provided a reliable offensive engine, but the supporting cast’s consistency remained a question mark, especially with Eason’s status uncertain.

Both teams entered the night with something to prove. The Spurs, seeking to cement their status as Western Conference contenders, looked to sweep the season series and extend their winning streak. The Rockets, eager to defend their home dominance and climb the standings, saw the matchup as a litmus test for their playoff aspirations. “We know what’s at stake,” Sengun remarked in the pregame availability. “It’s about sending a message to the rest of the league.”

With the action ongoing at Toyota Center, fans are witnessing a classic Southwest Division battle, with every possession carrying weight in the tight Western Conference race. Whether the Spurs’ balanced attack or the Rockets’ home-court magic prevails remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: this rivalry is alive and well, and both teams are leaving it all on the floor.

Stay tuned as the drama unfolds in Houston, where the outcome could ripple through the rest of the NBA season.