Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has outlined his rotation strategy for the season opener, confirming Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams will have no minute restrictions. The news comes as the Rockets prepare to host the Dallas Mavericks on October 21, following a preseason that included a 116-89 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 15.
Ime Udoka told reporters after Sunday's practice that he intends to use a 10-man rotation to begin the season. He cited the team's depth and a desire to manage the workload for veterans like Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson. The return of Marcus Smart and a healthy Fred VanVleet creates a crowded backcourt, but Udoka was clear about rookie Reed Sheppard's role. "Yes, Reed will be a huge part of what we do," Udoka said, emphasizing the guard's shooting ability.
VanVleet and Adams are both back from major injuries that sidelined them last season. Udoka was directly asked if either player would be limited. "No restrictions," was his definitive answer. This is a significant boost for a team that felt VanVleet's absence as a primary ball-handler in the playoffs and missed Adams's physical presence on the glass.
The lack of restrictions on VanVleet and Adams changes the team's ceiling. VanVleet, a career 37.1% three-point shooter, provides the playmaking and perimeter defense the Rockets desperately needed. Adams brings an elite rebounding skillset, having averaged 10.18 offensive rebounds per 100 possessions in his last healthy season. His hard screens and toughness directly address weaknesses exposed in recent playoff runs.
Integrating these veterans fully from day one is vital for a team facing a tough early schedule. Seven of Houston's first ten games are against last season's playoff teams. A fast start is needed after consecutive first-round exits, despite a 52-win campaign last year. The preseason offered mixed results, with a 135-117 win in Dallas on October 9 followed by a 132-115 loss to the Mavericks on October 11.
The immediate focus is the regular season opener against the Dallas Mavericks at Toyota Center on October 21. It's a rematch of their preseason series and kicks off a critical early stretch. The team then travels to face the San Antonio Spurs in their second game.
Udoka also mentioned managing players during back-to-back sets, likely meaning either VanVleet or Adams could sit one of those games for load management. With a deep roster, the coach has flexibility. Fans can track the team's progress and the challenging opening slate on our schedule page. The Rockets' final preseason outing, a 116-89 victory over Oklahoma City, showed glimpses of their potential when fully operational.
