Rockets will make 'tallest' history in NBA season opener

Rockets to share PG duties

Although Thompson will officially start at PG, Udoka has stated that the Rockets will have multiple players sharing ball-handling and playmaking duties. Among those will be Durant, who has showcased his playmaking chops over the years, especially during his time with the Brooklyn Nets, when he averaged 5.8 assists over three seasons.

Furthermore, Udoka plans to change the starting unit based on the opponents, too. Since the Thunder will start a double-big lineup of Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren on Tuesday, Udoka plans to counter with Sengun and Adams in Houston's frontcourt. 

"This is personnel-driven and opponent-driven as well," Udoka said of his jump starting lineup, via the Houston Chronicle. "So not just about what they did, although they were good in their minutes, but it's obviously a lot to do with OKC as well."

Alperen Sengun, the point center?

The Rockets also have the luxury of a big man with point guard skills in Alperen Sengun, who averaged 6.6 assists for Turkey in this year's EuroBasket, not to mention 4.9 assists for the Rockets last season. Sengun, often nicknamed "Baby Jokic" for his passing skills, is more than willing to serve as Houston's primary initiator on offense.

"I can play any position," Sengun said on Monday, via the Houston Chronicle. "I was bringing the ball (up) sometimes last year, too, but now, I have more responsibility. I can do that and help my teammates more. You know, just set them up and find the right guy and find the easy shot, too."

The Rockets, who clinched the second seed last season, are projected to win 52.5 games by oddsmakers, per BetMGM. The Thunder and Denver Nuggets are the only two teams out West with shorter NBA title odds.