Rockets' starting lineup is one of worst defensive lineups in NBA
Houston's current starting five is one of the worst defensive lineups in the NBA this season
Houston's starting lineup has been a point of discussion all season. Even before the season started, it was unclear who would take the injured Fred VanVleet's spot in the starting five, and head coach Ime Udoka has frequently rotated between Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason for the final spot as of late. With Eason's shooting down from his early hot start, Udoka has rolled with Sheppard in the starting lineup, which has done wonders for Houston's offense.
While the Rockets have gotten a major boost on that side of the ball, Houston's current starting five has struggled on the other, ranking as one of the worst defensive lineups in the NBA. Starting five defensive struggles 2025-26 Worst Defensive Lineups... What stands out?
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com/eyjndjx4Dj ā Basketball University (@UofBasketball) April 4, 2026 Houston's current starting five of Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun has a defensive rating that is 9. 8 points worse than its season average across 343 possessions together, the second-worst in the NBA among lineups with at least 270 possessions played.