The Houston Rockets Will Be Able to Roll Out Multiple Types of Lineups This Season

The Rockets willl probably start most games with more of a traditional lineup. Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun will more than likely make up the starting lineup.

From there, they will be able to run out multiple different lineups depending on the opponent. If the Rockets need to go with a more mobile small-ball lineup that can switch all over the court, but still have size on the court, they can have Jabari Smith at center with Durant playing power forward. The Rockets could have Tari Eason or Finney-Smith at small forward and VanVleet and Thompson in the backcourt.

It the Rockets want more shooting on the court, they can replace Thompson with Reed Shappard, Aaron Holiday or even move Eason to shooting guard. As mentioned earlier, the Rockets used the double big lineup quite often to finish the season.

The Rockets are even more equipped to use that lineup in the upcoming season. In the double-big lineup last season, the Rockets had Sengun and Steven Adams in the frontcourt. This upcoming season, even if or when Adams sits out games, they can still use the double big lineup with the addition of Clint Capela.

In fact, the Rockets could go triple big with Smith playing small forward, something the Rockets dabbled with last season. Smith's ability to shoot and stay in front of most forwards on defense helps him be able to play out of position at small forward, at least for short stints.

The Rockets traded for Durant to have a player who can help close out games, especially in the postseason. They feel that was the main thing they were missing last season, and it will help catapult them into the championship conversation. The addition of Durant, combined with the Rockets' ability to adapt to any situation, may help the Rockets win their first championship in 30 years.