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Houston Rockets 2025-26 projected starting lineup: Kevin Durant transforms Ime Udoka’s side into contenders
Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images

The Houston Rockets made a big swing to land Kevin Durant this offseason, but their roster is strong at all levels.

The Houston Rockets went from a dangerous playoff team to a genuine contender this offseason.

The Rockets traded for Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns just hours before Game 7 of the NBA Finals, kicking off the offseason in style.

But they didn’t just stop there, as the Rockets had a brilliant free agency period, signing some big names. Perhaps their biggest coup was luring Dorian Finney-Smith from the LA Lakers.

The Rockets genuinely feel like contenders in the Western Conference, and could challenge the OKC Thunder and Denver Nuggets for the top spot.

Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

2025-26 Houston Rockets projected starting lineup

While Kevin Durant was the big-name acquisition for the Rockets, they did make some big changes to their roster.

This is what their lineup with Kevin Durant looks like:

Starting Lineup Second Unit
Fred VanVleet Aaron Holiday
Amen Thompson Josh Okogie
Kevin Durant Jabari Smith Jr.
Dorian Finney-Smith Tari Eason
Alperen Sengun Clint Capela

The Rockets have a brilliant young core, and placing Kevin Durant and Dorian Finney-Smith among them in the starting lineup is a brilliant play.

The Rockets’ landing of Clint Capela also provides them with some much-needed depth at the center position. Steven Adams, along with Capela, gives Sengun some great backup.

Kevin Durant is looking to be a long-term fixture

It’s no secret that the Houston Rockets spent the last five years trying to build their team the right way, with an influx of young players.

But after their disappointing first-round exit at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, they knew they had to add a bona fide star to their team.

The Rockets went back on their word by landing Kevin Durant. And he must reward this faith by delivering at the highest level.

Durant is even taking a pay cut for the Rockets, showing his commitment to the team. But there is no better reward for both sides than a title-winning season.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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