Houston’s preseason sprint has evolved into a real-season rehearsal, with the Rockets 2-0 and eyeing dress-rehearsal tuneups against New Orleans and Atlanta. The roster is experimenting with rotations, minute tallies, and a more sophisticated offensive scheme as Udoka moves beyond a “semi-vanilla” start.

Key themes: Durant and Finney-Smith add floor-spreading gravity that should unlock corner looks for Smith, Şengün, and Thompson, while the team debates a potential double-big look with Steven Adams. Corner 3s and pace are being prioritized, and the defense will be tested to confirm last season’s identity as one of the league’s sturdiest units.

Jae’Sean Tate is sidelined in the preseason as he rehabs a right ankle impingement that required surgery, aiming for a Feb... wait, Oct. 21 season opener at Oklahoma City. He’s progressing with non-contact drills and believes he’s getting stronger, ready to contribute as a flexible defender and ball-miller in Houston’s wing-heavy rotations.

Across the roster, Finney-Smith shares a similar rehab path, and Ime Udoka notes they’re in the same recovery lane, with Tate perhaps edging ahead. The Rockets’ lineup emphasizes size and length, with Tate embracing a versatile role as they plan to deploy him wherever needed, including small-ball and on-ball responsibilities.