After a long offseason and a preseason that sent them thousands of miles to play two games against the Dallas Mavericks, the Houston Rockets are only a few days away from opening their 2026-27 season against the same team on October 21.
It kicks off a difficult start to their season, with seven of the first ten games against teams that made the playoffs last season. The Rockets must get off to a fast start this season, coming off a 52-win season but also consecutive first-round losses.
The Rockets
have had plenty of practice time, with an extended training camp that started a week early and two practices since their final preseason game on Thursday. The Rockets practiced again on Sunday, running a scrimmage and their normal shooting drills.
Ime Udoka spoke with the media after Sunday’s practice and discussed the opening-season rotation, Reed Sheppard, Fred VanVleet, and possible restrictions on Steven Adams.
Ime Udoka on rotation to start the season, Reed Sheppard and Fred VanVleet
With Marcus Smart and Fred VanVleet back, many have wondered what the guard rotation will look like and whether the newfound backcourt depth could mean less playing time for Sheppard. SB Nation asked Udoka if Sheppard’s shooting will keep him in the rotation despite any defensive shortcomings.
“Yes, Reed will be a huge part of what we do.”
Udoka was also asked about VanVleet and Adams, both of whom are coming off major injuries last season. Udoka was asked if either player would have any minutes restrictions to start the season.
Another interesting point from Sunday’s post-practice presser was Udoka discussing the Rockets’ rotation as they start the season. The Rockets have their deepest team since Udoka took over the franchise a few seasons ago. Udoka talked about wanting a 10-man rotation at the start of the season, especially with them wanting to limit Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson minutes from last season and also with players like VanVleet and Adams missing one of the two back-to-back games.
The Rockets kick off their 2026-27 season at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, October 21, then head to San Antonio to take on the Spurs in game two.
