Jabari Smith Jr. - Houston Rockets : Qwiket: Integrated Sports Knowledge

Can Rockets' Amen Thompson have a breakout season? NBA GMs think so.

Amen Thompson looms as the GM consensus breakout star for 2025-26, voted the NBA’s most versatile and most athletic, with All-Star ambitions on display after a 19-point preseason. Durant’s acquisition drives Houston’s ceiling, while OKC is the title favorite per 80% of GMs. The Rockets’ young core—Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason—signals a fast rise, aided by Udoka’s leadership and VanVleet’s coaching‑savvy potential.

Can Rockets' Amen Thompson have a breakout season? NBA GMs think so.

Which GM buzz from the preseason survey stands out most for fantasy managers this year?Which teams are most relevant to fantasy and betting conversations based on the survey?How might Durant’s move influence Rockets’ title odds and the West pecking order?Which coaching and defensive themes from the survey are most actionable for fantasy bettors?

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Kevin Durant looks right at home in Houston Rockets' debut

Kevin Durant wowed in his Houston debut, dropping 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting in 23 minutes as the Rockets beat the Jazz 140-127. Alperen Şengün acted as the offense’s hub with 13 points and 13 assists, while Amen Thompson flashed two-way impact with 19 points and six assists. Houston leaned into pace, transition, and second-chance opportunities, and Durant’s gravity opened lanes for teammates. The team’s preseason lineup blends veterans with a dynamic second unit, hinting at strong depth and flexible rotations once the regular season begins.

Kevin Durant looks right at home in Houston Rockets' debut

With Durant now in Houston, how should fantasy managers weight his usage rate and assist opportunities for Sengün and Thompson in the early games?Which lineup shifts during the preseason hint at a sustainable rotation when Durant rests? How does the Sheppard-Eason-Smith-Şengün variant look for fantasy value?How much will Durant's efficiency carry over as a primary scorer on a faster Rockets pace, and what's the potential impact on Rockets' fantasy odds?What sleeper contributors from the bench might break out given this system (Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason)?

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October 7, 2025

How Fred VanVleet's injury impacts Rockets, Durant - ESPN

ESPN

Houston’s title bid encounters a major obstacle as Fred VanVleet’s season-ending ACL tear shifts the offense into a by-committee rhythm led by Kevin Durant. Durant remain a focal point, but the Rockets must lean on Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard and Alperen Sengun to initiate and organize play. Depth behind the star trio is tested, with defensive versatility and ball-handling risk as the team recalibrates around Durant’s gravity.

Houston eyes internal development and midseason shuffles rather than quick fixes, hoping Durant’s scoring while others grow into initiators can sustain a competitive West run. The organization could pursue a disabled-player exception, but cap constraints and trade-fuelled openings are tight. Fantasy angles now hinge on how quickly Thompson, Sheppard and Sengun lock in roles and how the defense absorbs VanVleet’s absence.

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October 7, 2025

Houston Rockets' preseason takeaways on Alperen Şengün, point guards

Houston opened its 2025-26 chapter with a 122-113 preseason win over Atlanta, but Kevin Durant sat as Udoka tests rotations without VanVleet. Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson ran the backcourt while Alperen Şengün controlled the offense in a double-big look with Steven Adams and Clint Capela. Jabari Smith Jr. flashed size, drive and improved ball-handling as Houston pushes pace and playmaking ahead of regular-season rotations.

Houston Rockets' preseason takeaways on Alperen Şengün, point guards

With Durant out, how should fantasy managers approach Houston's guard rotation in Week 1?Which Rockets player is best positioned for early-season breakout without VanVleet?How should fantasy owners value Sengün in double-big lineups early in the season?Which early signs indicate Houston's rotation is solidifying after Durant's debut?

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October 7, 2025

Rockets win preseason opener as JD Davison pushes for more minutes

@therocketswire

Rockets Wire

Rockets win preseason opener as JD Davison pushes for more minutes

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.

Which Rockets guard has the clearest path to meaningful minutes behind VanVleet after this game?How valuable is Davison for fantasy leagues if he maintains this pace?What does Sengun’s efficiency imply for his fantasy ceiling this season?What Hawks angle could balance Young’s playmaking when facing Houston’s defense?

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Can Rockets' Amen Thompson have a breakout season? NBA GMs think so.

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/ar..

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Kevin Durant looks right at home in Houston Rockets' debut