Houston’s 2026 season starting lineup is HUGE- not only in hype and potential, but in literal size. Bleacher Report posted the roster to Instagram Tuesday afternoon, saying “Rockets running with a BIG starting 5,” and the comments are going crazy. 

According to the post, here’s what we can expect: 

PG: Amen Thompson (6’7)

SG: Kevin Durant (6’11)

SF: Jabari Smith Jr. (6’11)

PF: Alperen Şengün (6’11)

C: Steven Adams (6’11)

Does size necessarily mean defensive output? Udoka seems to think so. Udoka is known for his defense-first approach but spent the offseason tacking on more offense-oriented players. Choosing his larger players indicates he’s sticking to his guns. Tall means rebounds, intimidation, and more second-chance shots. 

The Rockets will face off with the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road on Wednesday- a much smaller team that’s perfect for testing Udoka’s theory. Here’s what to consider: size typically means slower, so opponents’ defense could have time to organize while the Rockets take their time driving to the goal. However, size intimidation could still be enough to disrupt the Thunder’s flow. 

In going with this size-equals-defense approach, Houston will have to lean on Durant- and some smart rotations from Udoka- to carry the offense Wednesday night. Durant and Şengün developed killer chemistry over the preseason, working the paint and running 2-man sets. The Rockets also have their rising star shooter Reed Sheppard, who will be a key rotation choice in this game and throughout the season.

Many fans and critics believe that Sheppard should have made the starting roster, but his defense still needs polishing. 6’2 Sheppard looked stronger and more confident over the preseason, but leaving him off Opening Night’s starting roster suggests the coaching staff doesn’t think he’s quite ready to fill VanVleet's shoes. That said, we can definitely expect to see him on the court for most of the season, even if he’s not the first to take the court. 

The Thunder have a virtually unstoppable weapon. Oklahoma City’s starting point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the fastest and most controlled in the league- an MVP contender this season. Thompson may be half a foot taller and slightly quicker in a sprint, but his basketball IQ is still developing, while SGA’s mind and rhythm are refined- and that’s how to force turnovers. 

The Thunder are favored to win Opening Night, so this will be a true test as to whether Udoka has the right idea with this supersized lineup or if he needs to rethink and pivot to suit his new roster.