Houston Rockets News

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Bruce Thornton • PG • Rockets

Bruce Thornton Signs Four-Year Deal With Rockets

Houston Rockets guard Bruce Thornton signed a four-year, $9.3 million deal that includes one fully guaranteed season, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The No. 31 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft provides Houston with another sturdy backcourt option after a decorated four-year run at Ohio State. Thornton averaged 19.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists as a senior while shooting 55.4 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from the three-point range. Although he was an elite collegiate scorer, his immediate path to playing time is firmly blocked. With Fred VanVleet returning to a crowded depth chart that also features rising guard Reed Sheppard, Thornton will likely have to fight to secure consistent reserve minutes.

2 days ago

Tari Eason • SF • Rockets

Tari Eason Re-Signs With Rockets on Five-Year Deal

Restricted free agent forward Tari Eason is staying in Houston, agreeing to a five-year, $81.5 million deal to return to the Rockets, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. The pact is fully guaranteed and carries a fifth-year player option, rewarding one of the league's premier per-minute defenders. Eason posted 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals in 25.8 minutes across 60 games, ranking 14th in the NBA in steal percentage while adding a career-high 93 threes at 35.8 percent. When healthy, he's a nine-category gem, elite in steals, blocks, and offensive rebounds, the kind of glue piece who returned sixth-round value on a per-game basis. Two things cap the fantasy ceiling: a left leg surgery history that has limited him to 139 games over three seasons and a usage crunch on a loaded roster now fronted by Kevin Durant and a rising Amen Thompson. Draft him for the defensive counting stats, but bake in the health and minutes risk.

Jul 2

Tari Eason • SF • Rockets

Tari Eason Receives $8.01 Million Qualifying Offer From Rockets

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason was tendered an $8.01 million qualifying offer and is now a restricted free agent, Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports reported, giving Houston the right to match any offer. The 6-foot-8 LSU product is the rare fantasy piece in this option-day shuffle, posting 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 25.8 minutes over 60 games, a stocks profile that plays in every format. The catch is durability: ankle and oblique strains held him to 60 games, and he has not topped that since his rookie year. He is a mid-round target when healthy, and a Kevin Durant trade would only widen his runway.

Jun 30

Fred VanVleet • PG • Rockets

Fred VanVleet Opts Into $25 Million Option to Stay with Rockets

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet is opting into his $25 million player option for 2026-27, Rich Paul tells ESPN's Shams Charania. VanVleet missed all of last season after tearing his right ACL, and he returns to a backcourt that changed without him. Reed Sheppard broke out as the lead guard, posting 13.5 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 39.0 percent from deep, so VanVleet reclaiming point guard reps caps Sheppard's third-year leap. At 32 and a year removed from a major injury, VanVleet is a wait-and-see fantasy pick behind Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun.

Jun 29

Kevin Durant • PF • Rockets

Kevin Durant Becomes First Player to Make All-NBA Team With Five Franchises

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant has made history as the first player ever named to an All-NBA Team with five different franchises. On Sunday, he was announced as a 2025-26 All-NBA Second Team selection, joining Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics), Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers), Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers), and Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks). The veteran star has also earned All-NBA honors with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and Phoenix Suns. Overall, Durant now has 12 All-NBA selections, six on the First Team and six on the Second Team. Only six players in league history have earned more selections.

May 24

Alperen Sengün • C • Rockets

Alperen Sengun Finishes Series with Double-Double Effort

Houston Rockets forward/center Alperen Sengun recorded 17 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks, and one assist in 38 minutes during Friday's Game 6 loss to the Lakers, as Houston was eliminated 4-2. He struggled to convert efficiently but still led the team on the glass and finished near the top in scoring, notching his third double-double of the series. Sengun remains a high-usage centerpiece heading into next season, offering strong multi-category value. Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. should continue in key roles, though Houston's offense will still lean heavily on Sengun's playmaking and interior presence.

May 2

Kevin Durant • PF • Rockets

Kevin Durant Officially Out for Game 6

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (ankle) has been officially ruled out for Game 6 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. Initially, the team listed him as doubtful for the contest. However, media reports on Thursday already suggested that Durant won't be available on Friday night. His next chance to return will be on Sunday if Houston survives another elimination game. Reed Sheppard will continue to ride with the starters, while Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. have taken on extra work during Durant's absence.

May 1

Kevin Durant • PF • Rockets

Kevin Durant Listed as Doubtful for Game 6

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Game 6 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. This leaves open the possibility that Durant will return from a three-game absence, but ESPN's Shams Charania reported earlier Thursday that the former MVP won't play. Even with Durant sidelined, Houston has won back-to-back games and can extend the series to Game 7 on Friday. Sources have told Charania that Durant's injury typically requires at least two weeks to return to play. Durant hurt his ankle on April 21, meaning 12 days will have passed since his injury by the time a potential Game 7 takes place on Sunday. Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason have greater fantasy significance without Durant.

Apr 30

Kevin Durant • PF • Rockets

Kevin Durant Officially Out Wednesday

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (ankle) has been officially ruled out for Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. Due to a left ankle injury, Durant has missed two games and didn't practice on Tuesday. He was seen running on an antigravity treadmill. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has labeled Durant day-to-day, but he won't get a chance to return this season if Houston doesn't win on Wednesday night. Reed Sheppard will likely continue to start in Durant's absence, and there will be larger roles for Tari Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith.

Apr 28

Kevin Durant • PF • Rockets

Kevin Durant Unlikely to Play Wednesday

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (ankle) is unlikely to play in Wednesday's Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran star didn't practice on Tuesday after sitting out two games due to a sprained left ankle and a bone bruise. "We'll see," Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said when asked whether Durant would play in Wednesday's game. "It is day to day, game to game. But we'll have to get on the court and do some things, and he didn't participate in practice today. But he's doing the conditioning and other aspects to try to get back." Reed Sheppard has provided solid DFS production as Durant's replacement in the first unit, averaging 17.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.0 steals over the last two games.

Apr 28

Kevin Durant • PF • Rockets

Kevin Durant Remains Out Sunday

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (ankle) won't play in Game 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. His status has been downgraded from questionable to out. The two-time Finals MVP will miss a second consecutive game due to an ankle injury and won't be part of Houston's lineup for the third time in this series. Durant's absence will allow Reed Sheppard to retain his spot in the starting unit. Meanwhile, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason will be counted on to be more productive in the frontcourt as the Rockets try to stave off elimination on Sunday night.

Apr 26

Kevin Durant • PF • Rockets

Kevin Durant Uncertain for Sunday's Action

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (ankle) is considered questionable for Sunday's elimination game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Rockets are 3-0 down in the series and have had Durant in the lineup just once in the playoffs. He missed Game 1 with a knee injury and wasn't available for Game 3 due to an ankle injury. "He's getting treatment still around the clock," Rockets head Ime Udoka said Saturday. "I think there's some soreness and [he's] pushed a lot of swelling out, but it'll be a matter of if he can go. We'll try it out I'm sure tomorrow morning and before the game, and we'll know his status then." In Durant's absence, Reed Sheppard started on Friday night, finishing a heartbreaking overtime loss with 17 points, four rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks.

Apr 25

Tari Eason • SF • Rockets |

Reed Sheppard • PG • Rockets

Tari Eason, Reed Sheppard Move into Starting Five on Friday

Houston Rockets guards Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard will move into the starting five ahead of Friday's Game 3 against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Rockets will be without Kevin Durant (ankle), which is a huge blow to this team that is already down 2-0 in the series. With that being said, Houston will shake it up and shift Josh Okogie to the bench with one of Eason or Sheppard taking his spot in the starting unit. Sheppard dropped 17 points and eight assists during Saturday's Game 1 loss. He was quiet on Tuesday, but could be an interesting DFS option without Durant on the court. Eason probably has less overall upside, but is a more consistent option ahead of Friday's slate. Both players will need to pick it up offensively without Durant available on Friday.

Apr 24

Kevin Durant • PF • Rockets

Kevin Durant is Ruled Out for Game 3 on Friday

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (ankle) has been officially ruled out ahead of Friday's Game 3 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Durant missed Game 1 due to a right knee issue, but was back on the court for Game 2. Unfortunately, Durant suffered a left ankle sprain during Tuesday's loss. The Rockets are already down 2-0 in the series and will have a tough hill to climb without Durant on Friday. The expectation is that Reed Sheppard will move into the starting five. He was scoreless across 11 minutes of action on Tuesday, but his value will increase without Durant on the court. Tari Eason and Jae'Sean Tate are candidates to see more time on the court as well. Out of the bunch, Eason seems to be the most trustworthy DFS option in Durant's absence. Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun will be asked to do the heavy lifting on Friday.

Apr 24

Kevin Durant • PF • Rockets

Kevin Durant Iffy for Friday Night Due to Ankle Issue

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (ankle) is questionable for Friday's Game 3 against the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran star returned from a knee injury in Game 2 of the series, but he's now back on the injury report with a left ankle sprain. If Durant can't suit up on Friday night, Reed Sheppard is set to return to the starting unit. Even with a full lineup, Sheppard will carry a heavier workload in Friday's game after Rockets head coach Ime Udoka told reporters on Thursday that he would see increased minutes. In Tuesday's Game 2, Sheppard was limited to 11 minutes.

Apr 23

Alperen Sengün • C • Rockets

Alperen Sengun Fills Stat Sheet in Losing Effort

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun finished Tuesday's 101-94 Game 2 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers with 20 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, four steals, and two blocks. The Turkish star left his fingerprints all over this game, yet the Rockets were held to 100 points again and suffered another loss. While Houston has been beaten by the Lakers in back-to-back games, Sengun has been productive in the series. Still, he is capable of making a bigger impact, having made only 38.5 percent of his field-goal attempts so far. The Rockets will attempt to spark a comeback on home court, starting with Game 3 on Friday night.

Apr 22

Kevin Durant • PF • Rockets

Kevin Durant Commits Nine Turnovers in Game 2 Loss

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant led his team with 23 points in Tuesday's 101-94 loss to the Lakers, but he also committed a game-high nine turnovers. The rest of the Rockets had only six turnovers combined. Returning from a knee injury, which kept him sidelined for the series opener, Durant logged 41 minutes. He made only one of four outside attempts but was efficient overall, going 7-for-12 from the field and 8-for-9 at the free-throw line. The two-time Finals MVP capped off his line with six rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block. Houston now heads home with a 2-0 series deficit, but the team can still turn the series around if they get the best out of Durant.

Apr 22

Kevin Durant • PF • Rockets

Kevin Durant Good to Go Tuesday

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (knee) will return to action on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. The veteran star sat out the series opener due to a right knee contusion but has been cleared to make his comeback. As a result of Durant's return, Reed Sheppard will move to the second unit. Getting Durant back is a major boost for the Rockets, who will try to avoid a 2-0 series deficit. In three regular-season meetings, Durant's offensive contribution was limited to 20.3 points per game against the Lakers. However, he was highly efficient in his scoring, making 42.9 percent of his three-point attempts and 56.1 percent of his attempts overall.

Apr 21

Kevin Durant • PF • Rockets

Kevin Durant a Game-Time Decision on Tuesday

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (knee) will be a game-time decision on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. The two-time Finals MVP missed Saturday's Game 1 in the series due to a bruised right knee. According to Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, Durant participated in about half of Monday's practice. Houston has officially listed him as questionable for Tuesday's contest. On Saturday night, the Rockets struggled to score without Durant, losing 107-98. Josh Okogie and Tari Eason played more important roles in his absence. Eason was one of the team's top performers with 16 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and three steals off the bench.

Apr 20

Reed Sheppard • PG • Rockets

Reed Sheppard Moves into Starting Five on Saturday

Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard will move into the starting five ahead of Saturday's Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Rockets will be without Kevin Durant (knee), which will shift Sheppard into the starting unit. The Rockets are hopeful that this will only be a one-game absence for the superstar forward. Sheppard will be asked to take on a larger role offensively without Durant available. He should be a focal point on offense along with Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. Tari Eason, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Jae'Sean Tate could all see increased run as well. Among the bench, Sheppard is the best DFS option with Durant missing at least Game 1.

Apr 18

Houston Rockets News

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