September 21, 2026 • 6:02 AM EDT
Updated 2 hours ago
Year one with Kevin Durant didn’t deliver the leap the Houston Rockets had in mind. Instead, a much-ballyhooed roster landed a 52-30 record and an early playoff exit. If you’re wondering if this team fires back or fizzles, Houston’s bringing back the core and hoping for a much different result.
The Rockets decided not to blow it up. Instead, they’ll run it back with almost the same group, betting that a fully fit Fred VanVleet makes the difference. He missed all of last year with a knee injury and, honestly, the team never really found their point guard mojo without him. Add in some depth with Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic, and suddenly the backcourt looks less shaky and the experiment with oversized lineups takes a back seat.
Locking in Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson to long-term deals signals that the franchise wants its youthful core to grow—with Durant setting the win-now timetable. At 37, Durant’s got a player option looming, so the window for big success is barely cracked open. For bettors, the talent’s there, but this isn’t a perfect mix. Chemistry matters and last year, it just wasn’t right. The big question: does a year older Durant, plus a healthy VanVleet, fix the mess or repeat it? According to Yahoo Sports, Houston’s season comes down to those answers.
The Rockets aren’t scrapping the playbook. After getting bounced by the Lakers in round one, they chose tweaks over overhaul. Marcus Smart brings tough defense and experience, while Bogdan Bogdanovic adds scoring pop. Rookie Bruce Thornton offers upside, but it’s VanVleet’s health that matters most. VanVleet expects to be ready, and at 32, coming off a torn ACL, his comeback is the true X-factor—this team needs his steady hand at the point far more than it needs another big scorer.
Houston Rockets offseason recap
- Record last season: 52-30 (5th in West)
- Playoff finish: Lost to Lakers in first round (4-3)
- Coach: J.J. Redick (year three)
- 2026-27 title odds: +5000
- Offseason grade: C-
- Key additions: Marcus Smart, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Bruce Thornton (rookie), Oscar Tshiebwe
- Key losses: Josh Okogie, Dorian Finney-Smith
Biggest Rockets question: Can VanVleet fill the point guard void?
No way around it—the Rockets never truly replaced Fred VanVleet last season. They cycled through Reed Sheppard and Amor Thompson, gambled on size, and leaned into a bully ball style. That fizzled in crunch moments, especially after Steven Adams’ injury up front. With VanVleet returning, expectations rise, but after a torn ACL and age 32, you have to ask yourself: is he still the anchor this backcourt needs?
Houston Rockets projected lineup and rotation
Starters
- G Fred VanVleet
- G Amen Thompson
- F Jabari Smith Jr.
- F Kevin Durant
- C Alperen Sengun
Rotation
- G Reed Sheppard
- G Marcus Smart
- G Bogdan Bogdanovic
- F Tari Eason
- C Steven Adams
- C Clint Capela
What should you expect from Houston this season?
This roster is designed to battle with the Spurs and Thunder in the West’s next tier, just outside the absolute elite. With VanVleet’s stability, Houston should get the offense organized—finally lifting all that scoring pressure off Durant. That’s the only route to making his age count as wisdom, not just wear and tear. Expect another 50-plus win effort, and a stronger push come playoff time.
Key developments and why they matter
- VanVleet returns from injury—point guard leadership was completely missing last year.
- Marcus Smart and Bogdanovic add backcourt defense and shooting—much-needed support roles for a deep playoff run.
- The core stays intact—chemistry can improve over time, but the window to win with Durant is narrow.
- Youth and depth with Sengun and Thompson—locked in for the future even if the present stumbles.
- Title odds remain long (+5000)—the market still doubts the ceiling of this squad.
Key takeaways
- Houston’s betting on continuity rather than sweeping changes after a playoff stumble.
- Fred VanVleet’s comeback is the most important piece—the team rises or falls with his health.
- Key signings bring experience and skill but don’t overhaul the Rockets’ formula.
- With Durant’s option looming, this could be the group’s last shot at real contention.
- Fans and bettors should expect a better regular season and a chance at redemption in the playoffs.
- The Rockets are deeper and more balanced—no more makeshift point guard experiments.
- If chemistry clicks and VanVleet leads, Houston can be dangerous in the wide-open West.
More coverage: latest NBA news, NBA betting hub and NBA picks and predictions.
Related stories
21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. The content on this site is for entertainment purposes only. We may earn a commission from affiliate links.
Login 
