The Rockets have been using a double big lineup lately with great success. Might it give them an edge come playoff time?
The Houston Rockets have been experimenting with a double-big lineup in the past couple of games. The most intriguing part of the double big lineup is that when Ime Udoka teamed Alperen Sengun with Steven Adams, it isn’t the only thing in the headline. Another important thing is that he matched them with Tari Eason and Amen Thompson. Reed Sheppard may have been another member of that group, but with Dillon Brooks in and Thompson running point, you may have the NBA’s largest lineup. However, success is not always correlated with size alone. That lineup is quite weak when it comes to shooting. Even if Sheppard developed into the shooter he’s supposed to be, the lineup including him could use more spacing. Of course both Sheppard and Thompson are now both hurt, with Reed out four weeks and Thompson twisting an ankle.
But on this past Thursday’s game versus the New Orleans Pelicans, in the 19 minutes that Adams was on the floor, Houston went +17. In the 29 minutes that he wasn’t, they went -5. The two-center combination of Adams and All-Star big man Sengun was crucial in grabbing boards, blocking the paint, and reducing the Pelicans’ driving possibilities. Adams finished with 8 rebounds and 6 assists, and New Orleans only scored 38 points in the second half. On the offensive end, Adams’ role as an offensive rebounder and tough screen-setter helped Houston to take control with 33 of its points in a dominant third quarter. The Rockets outscored the Pelicans 23-5 during seven minutes of Adams and Sengun on the court together.
Steven Adams is known for his toughness and rebounding but his passing is the most underrated part of his game.
Adam’s finished with a season high 6 assists last night in the win over the Pelicans. pic.twitter.com/jzX7VjAOsc
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) March 7, 2025
In last night’s win over New Orleans, Adams finished with 6 points, 8 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks and was a +19 in 18 minutes of action. He’s certainly earning more playing time.
Although Udoka has already used the double-big lineups multiple times this week, the Rockets maintain that they will depend on players and opponents. Houston’s comeback attempt in Indiana on Tuesday was sparked by a Sengun-Adams lineup and an unusual zone defense, even though they didn’t end up winning. Some opponents might not be able to hold up with a two-center team, though others might because of their superior agility and/or outside shooting. Therefore, analyzing the viability of Sengun-Adams lineups might be a crucial factor when evaluating how Houston might perform against each possible opponent in the 2025 NBA playoffs (the Rockets come out of the weekend at 39-25 and No. 5 in the Western Conference standings).
In a tiny sample, Sengun and Adams have indeed been successful. It’s been an effective combination in short bursts for the Rockets. And while it’s not something Udoka can rely on full-time, it’s another trick in his toolbox for when the Rockets will be looking for matchup advantages come postseason time.