When the Houston Rockets traded for Kevin Durant over the summer, their odds for championship contention immediately increased. They followed up the great summer with a few more additions and re-signings, keeping a core team that was the second seed in the Western Conference last season.
Then, just before training camp, they were hit by devastating news: Fred VanFleet‘tore his ACL during a workout, potentially missing the entire 2025-26 season. However, what might be a blessing in disguise is that the injury will open up some interesting lineups. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the Houston Rockets rotation and three lineups that can wreak havoc on opponents.
Three Lineups That Could Unlock the Rockets’ Full Potential
Before we go into these Houston Rockets rotation options, we have to note that they are not necessarily a starting five unit. Some of the players might start, others might come off the bench. The idea is that these five-man units can change the dynamic of the game.
Defense Wins Championships
The Houston Rockets were a top-five defensive team last season, and they can replicate that success this year. With Amen Thompson most certainly starting and getting the bulk of his minutes at point guard, they might have even better defense. With that in mind, just imagine when they put this lineup on the floor: Thompson, Tari Eason, Dorian Finney-Smith, Steven Adams, and Jabari Smith Jr.
Yes, there is no Durant or Alperen Sengun there. But those five players are all above-average defenders, capable of switching, and they have one of the better rim protectors in the league in Adams. Last season, one of their biggest strengths was defensive rebounding. This unit has that and more. If the Rockets want to go into ultra-defensive mode, get steals and turnovers to run and get easy buckets in transition, this unit can do it for a five-minute stretch.
Spread the Floor
Last season, the Rockets didn’t have much offensive power, which was their biggest weakness in the playoffs. In the regular season, they finished 20th in three-point attempts. They addressed their offense by bringing in KD, but there are more options to spread the floor. With VanVleet out, Reed Sheppard should get more minutes, and he is one of their best shooters.
For a shootout contest, the Rockets can put a lineup of Sheppard, Durant, Finney-Smith, Eason, and Sengun. The Rockets are without their three biggest volume shooters this season. Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green are now in Phoenix, and VanVleet is injured. But this lineup can more than make up for that loss.
Go Big Or Go Home
The Rockets have ten players with wingspans of seven feet or longer this season. In the playoffs, they were able to stick with the Warriors thanks to their double-big lineup. They can take things even further this season if they want to.
Their big lineup can feature Sengun, Adams, Durant, Smith Jr., and Thompson. With such length and size, they can overpower teams in the paint. Shooting might be a problem, but these guys can get rebounds on both ends at will. And very few teams in the league, if any, can match that size.
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