Durant is resting today and will make his debut on the 9th! Rockets' starting lineup for the opener: Shepherd and Amen to lead the backcourt

On October 7th Beijing time, the Rockets take on the Hawks to kick off the preseason. Udoka mentioned that the new recruit Durant will rest for this match but is anticipated to make his first appearance on October 9th (Beijing time) versus the Jazz. The Rockets’ starting lineup for the opener includes Shepherd, Amen Thompson, Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., and Sengun.

When asked what he expects to see from Shepherd today, Udoka said, “I hope he can maintain the form he showed during the offseason and parts of last season. Stay confident, play aggressively on both ends, actively seek shooting opportunities, make the right decisions in pick-and-roll situations, and work alongside Amen to share the point guard duties.”

In a previous interview, Udoka revealed that four of the regular season starters are already decided: Durant, Amen, Smith, and Sengun. He plans to evaluate the fifth starter through training camp and preseason games. Looking at today’s starting lineup, Udoka has included three confirmed starters, while Eason and Shepherd are given a chance to compete for the fifth starting spot.

Earlier, regarding the Rockets’ fifth starting position, Rockets reporter Chris White commented, “I believe Shepherd will be the Rockets’ fifth starter. Once DFS (Finnie Smith) returns healthy, we’ll reassess the team’s situation.”

Local Houston media have also analyzed potential candidates for the fifth starter, considering Shepherd, Eason, and Adams as possibilities. In terms of traditional point guard ball-handling and three-point shooting, Shepherd’s style is most similar to VanVleet’s. That said, Shepherd is the least experienced in providing consistent value as an NBA rotation player. Eason offers the most versatile defense, while Adams has advantages in size, rebounding, and physicality.

Regarding playing time in the preseason, Udoka also mentioned that Eason and Adams will play against the Hawks but will not participate in the game against the Jazz.