ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Hawks 10/16/2025 (Preseason)

I wish I could understand the mind of someone betting on a preseason game... we’ve got a serious gambling problem in the States.

 

@Bobbythegreat

 

yeah cuz Adams and Eason and maybe Durant will take off back to backs. We will have 22 diff starting lineups by new years.

 

Lol I think this is the real reason. Not much strategy to it, Durant and Adams will miss a few games, won't play B2Bs, so obviously the lineup will change.

I think the main starting lineup will be with Adams at Center though. The spacing will be bad but we know Ime DGAF about that, if its good spacing or good defense Ime is going to choose defense every time.

 

Okay, now that was impressive. Reed cooked Trae, got a few steals and blocks on him and he did not even try to go back at him. They were probably shocked and he wanted to pretend it’s just pre-season so I don’t care, but best believe next time he will remember this game to try to embarrass Reed.

I can see the Reed = Stockton in a way, because both are short, good 3pt shooters, have high IQs and just amazing hands. Those slap steals or straight up rips are amazing. Okogie also proved he is worthy of being in the rotation, perhaps even a starter, though I like that starting lineup as the second unit and let Tari start. Only moving Jeff to PF and Capela / Adams at center.

Btw this is the type of game where Cam always just shot the ball but didn’t play within the offense and didn’t put it in the effort on defense. Our team looks so much more like a pass first, look who’s open type of team where a Cam type would be detrimental to it functioning like it did last night. Okogie could’ve taught him a thing or two to be honest. Play defense, shoot when you are open and drive at will or pass it off if someone is more open. So easy.

We’re going to be good on offense for sure.

 

Maybe he is

 

Having Kevin Durant will do that for you.

 

That’s for sure, but don’t you think Ime learned his lesson from last season and realized some of his rotations weren’t working? I think he’s already shown improvement, it took him about 50 games in the regular season to figure out the double big lineup, but better late than never.

 

That’s a good thing. Because teams won’t be able to figure out our scheme. Also, because of the depth we have, we can play multiple ways.

 

Reed really said “fun” four times when answering Vanessa’s 1st post-game question, ended with 5 total.

impressive, I had fun listening.

 

Quite possible, but it's a smart move when the NBA is full of 6'6"+ guys with 7 foot wingspans who can jump and tip low-slung 3s.

 

With FVV instead of Reed we lose last night, we are better with Reed.

DD

 

I think FVV’s injury has accelerated that.

Ime would have stuck with old faithful.

DD

 

I said it 1000 times on here, do not sign FVV. What did we do? We gave him a near max contract.

 

I was ok with the first contract, just not the 2nd one...should have let him walk.

DD

 

Hahaha ridiculous take.

 

Sure but Reed still outdueled Trae Young and had no other regular rotation player right? I mean once DFS comes back Akogie doesnt even play and Reed just gave both Davison and Holiday season passes on the bench lol

Even if its preseason Reed still played excellent and against the new look Hawks that everyone said would be pretty good this season.

 

His contract is actually almost exactly 50% of the max (per year) FYI. His maximum salary as a 9 year veteran over the next three seasons was $150M.

In hindsight, a bad contract. I thought it was a mild overpay at the time, but they obviously didn't know he would get hurt like this.

 

JD played well too. I liked his finishing at the rim and his pass to Uncle Jeff for the open 3 made me happy.