Houston's depth shone in a 122-113 preseason win over Atlanta as JD Davison, the G League MVP last season, erupted for 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including five 3-pointers, in 22 minutes, signaling a real push for backup guard minutes as Fred VanVleet recovers. Sengun dominated in 17 minutes with 19 points and 6 assists, while Tari Eason, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. provided energy and spacing. Trae Young led Atlanta with 9 points and 8 assists; Durant sat out but is slated to return in Houston’s next test vs Utah.

Houston's 2025-26 starting five is set with Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. as starters, with a fluid battle for the fifth spot among Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason, and Steven Adams. The mix of a star guard, a versatile frontcourt, and a defensive backbone creates a high ceiling and clear fantasy implications as Udoka tests lineups in the preseason.

Durant's gravity should lift Smith and Sengun for easier looks, while Smith’s return to the starting unit signals a continued two-way impact. The guard rotation around Thompson will determine late-game playmaking, with Sheppard and Eason offering value if extended minutes materialize. Openers vs. Atlanta in the preseason will begin the evaluation.

Houston’s double-big burst with Alperen Şengün and Steven Adams redefines the Rockets’ ceiling, pairing elite rebounding with bruising interior defense. The league is chasing size, from Jokic-Valančiūnas in Denver to Orlando’s Carter Jr./Wagner/Banchero front line, while Udoka nods to Spurs and Celtics precedents. Durant lauds the versatility, yet spacing remains a concern as 3-point gravity and injuries shape early-season fantasy math.