Houston opens the preseason with calculated rotations, signaling a blend of established veterans and fresh lineups. Durant and the core are ready, but Tari Eason and Steven Adams will play Monday vs. Atlanta and sit Wednesday vs. Utah as a precaution after late-season injuries. Dorian Finney-Smith won’t play preseason, while Durant, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Şengün are penciled as the initial starting quartet with a roaming fifth spot. UDoka plans more realistic lineups for the road dress rehearsals Oct. 14 vs. the Pelicans and Oct. 16 at the Hawks to gauge chemistry and new plays after VanVleet’s ACL injury.