Rockets' Ime Udoka Reveals Starting Lineup for 2025-26 Season Opener vs. Thunder

Houston began their offseason by pulling off the blockbuster trade with the Phoenix Suns to acquire Kevin Durant, sending a package headlined by Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and the pick used to select Khaman Maluach in return.

The Rockets then further upgraded their depth in free agency by signing Clint Capela, Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie.

By making these moves, the Rockets will enter the new season expected to be a top team in the NBA with their sights set on winning a championship this season.

Ime Udoka Reveals Rockets Starting Lineup for Season Opener

With the Rockets beginning their season on Tuesday in Oklahoma City against the Thunder, head coach Ime Udoka revealed their starting lineup for opening night on Monday.

According to ESPN and Rockets reporter Vanessa Richardson, Udoka announced that the Rockets will start Amen Thompson, Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams against the Thunder on Tuesday.

This is an interesting starting lineup for Houston to being their season and also revealed that Thompson will begin the season as their starting point guard with Durant beside him in the backcourt.

Of course, the Rockets’ point guard situation was up in the air entering the new season after veteran guard Fred VanVleet suffered a torn ACL in the offseason that is expected to keep him sidelined for the entire season.

Despite this, it appears as though Udoka is confident in using Thompson as the team’s starting point guard to begin the season.

This will also be a change for Durant as the future Hall of Famer will begin the season as Houston’s shooting guard, allowing them to start Adams inside next to Sengun to give them a new dynamic frontcourt duo.

With this lineup, it is clear that the Rockets are looking to use their size to their advantage this season with Thompson being the shortest at 6-7, likely giving them the edge in the height category over many teams this season.

Houston’s lineup will also give them a solid mix of offense and defense with Durant, Thompson and Sengun leading the way on both ends of the court as they look to start the season off strong with a victory against Oklahoma City.

Fans can catch Tuesday’s season opener between the Rockets and Thunder from Oklahoma City at 7:30 p.m. EST on NBC and Peacock.