Where They Stand
Year two of the Kevin Durant era is really a do-over. Houston won 52 games last season and fell to the Lakers in a seven-game first round while Fred VanVleet (torn ACL) missed the entire year and Steven Adams played only 32 games. VanVleet has now been medically cleared for full five-on-five work and expects to play in the Oct. 9 preseason opener; Adams is still working through return-to-play tests. Head coach Ime Udoka confirmed the projected starting five: VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Durant, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun.
The roster looks more balanced this season: Marcus Smart signed a two-year, $12.4 million deal, rookie guard Bruce Thornton arrived via a second-round trade-up, and Bogdan Bogdanović joined on a minimum deal — while Amen Thompson was extended for five years and $208 million. Houston plays three preseason games (two in Macao against Dallas on Oct. 9 and 11, then Oklahoma City at home Oct. 15) and opens the regular season at home against Dallas on Oct. 21, with home tipoffs moved to 7:30 p.m. local time.
The Squad
Kevin Durant
Amen Thompson
Alperen Sengun
Jabari Smith Jr.
Fred VanVleet
Reed Sheppard
Marcus Smart
Steven Adams
Tari Eason
Bogdan Bogdanović
Bruce Thornton
Oscar Tshiebwe
Upcoming Games
Team News
Head Coach Confirms Rockets Projected Starting Lineup for 2026-2027
Ime Udoka confirmed Durant, Amen Thompson, Sengun, Smith Jr. and VanVleet as the starting five with less than a month until the season begins.
'Confident' Fred VanVleet makes healthy, on-court return in Houston
Cleared for five-on-five, VanVleet was a full participant in Wednesday's opening practice and expects to play in the Oct. 9 preseason opener in Macao.
Rockets earn praise for more balanced roster as training camp opens
The Athletic's John Hollinger lauded the Smart signing and added guard depth, which should let Amen Thompson — recently extended for five years and $208 million — settle into a comfortable role.