Rockets Announce Starting Lineup vs Lakers After Kevin Durant News

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 08: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts against 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)

With Kevin Durant on pace to make his return to the court on Tuesday night for Game 2 between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers, the Rockets are set to change up their starting five.

As Houston’s head coach, Ime Udoka addressed reporters for his pregame press conference ahead of Game 2, he discussed the starting lineup scenarios for both cases of Kevin Durant.

According to Jovan Buha, Udoka told the media he would roll with the same starting lineup as Game 1 if Durant was going to be ruled out.

However, if Durant was cleared for action, Reed Sheppard would take on a bench role, being the odd-man-out with Durant entering the lineup.

Houston Rockets’ Starting Lineup vs Los Angeles Lakers

The Rockets are going to start Amen Thompson, Josh Okogie, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun.

Houston is looking to even the series on Tuesday night. When they went into Game 1 without Durant, who was dealing with a knee contusion, the Lakers took full advantage of the situation, despite being undermanned themselves.

Jabari Smith and Amen Thompson led the Rockets in minutes with 43 each. Smith produced a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Thompson accounted for 17 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds.

Okogie put up seven points while coming up with two steals, while Alperen Sengun had 19 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.

Sheppard checked in for 36 minutes. He struggled with his shot, going just 6-20 from the field. He made five of his 14 three-point attempts. Sheppard also dished out eight assists, but turned the ball over four times.

Kevin Durant Will Make His Rockets Playoff Debut

The Rockets acquired Durant for moments like this. After struggling as a young team in the NBA Playoffs last year, Durant was supposed to be the missing piece to the puzzle.

Unfortunately, they couldn’t solve their issues without him in Game 1. Fortunately, he’ll make his Houston postseason debut on Tuesday.

This year, Durant played in 78 games for the Rockets. The veteran forward averaged 26.0 points, while shooting 52.0% from the field and 41.3% from three.

Durant also produced 5.5 rebounds per game and 4.8 assists per game. Tuesday night will mark Durant’s 171st playoff appearance.