After adding Kevin Durant this summer, the Houston Rockets emerged as title frontrunners, a very real threat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference.
However, their chances took a blow when Fred VanVleet tore his ACL. The Rockets will have to rely on Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard to run the offense, although neither has much NBA experience at the point guard position.
Houston is still a very good team, and the Rockets are expected to be right in the thick of the playoff race. After losing in the first round to the Golden State Warriors last season, the Rockets are aiming to take a step forward.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 08: Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets drives against Ace Bailey #19 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of a preseason game at Toyota Center on October 08, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Exceptions for Houston Rockets Revealed
Before VanVleet’s injury, the Rockets were comfortable in the Western Conference’s upper tier, alongside the Thunder and Denver Nuggets.
Now, without a point guard, they are still one of the better teams in the league, although they will struggle and fall victim to sloppy mistakes from their inexperienced ball handlers.
“As presently constructed, I think they’re a second-round team,” said Tracy McGrady on The Athletic NBA Daily podcast.
“I think losing Fred was a very big loss for them. And the reason why I say that, I think they’re still going to be pretty tough defensively. KD, I think, could be a solid defender, even at his age. I just think when it comes to a playoff game and you don’t have the security blanket in terms of the organization on the offensive end, slowing down the pace and getting guys organized, that’s going to be a problem.”
Between Durant, Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Dorian Finney-Smith, and Tari Eason, the Rockets can hang their hat on wing defense. With limited spacing and facilitating, however, they will struggle on the offensive end.
Houston Rockets Are Built for the Regular Season
Last year’s Phoenix Suns notwithstanding, a healthy Kevin Durant is usually enough for a team to win 50 games. Add in Thompson and Alperen Sengun, and the Rockets could very easily fight for a top seed.
In a seven-game series, however, it will be an uphill battle for the Rockets. In the postseason, defense tightens up, and Thompson will be in over his head on the offensive side of the ball.
“If you have Amen Thompson being your point guard trying to go make a run in the playoffs, and you have these wiry guys like OKC has, and I know they’re not in the same conference, but if you look like these guys like Dyson Daniels, if you have a team full of like Dyson Daniels and pressuring your point guard, you can’t get into your offense,” T-Mac added. “It’s going to be a struggle. So that’s why I think they’re going to struggle if they don’t find that, you know, that point guard for their team.”
The Rockets could swing a midseason trade for a VanVleet replacement, or they could hope he returns in time for the postseason. No matter how they go about addressing it, a veteran point guard must receive playoff minutes.
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