The Houston Rockets have sparked conversations across social media with their unconventional “all-tall” starting lineup for the upcoming NBA regular-season opener. The Rockets will face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. This lineup features players who are all taller than 6’7”, including Steven Adams, Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant, and Amen Thompson. The average height among these five players is an impressive 6’10.2”.
Height Advantage and Social Media Buzz
The announcement of this unique roster has generated a flurry of memes and discussions on platforms like X. Fans have commented on the significant height disparity between the Rockets and their opponents. While this could create challenges for the Thunder and other teams, some reactions have not been entirely positive.
- Critics pointed out that the Rockets may still struggle against top players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder.
- Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors star, also remains a notable threat, having previously eliminated the Rockets in the playoffs.
Rockets’ Recent Performance
After a four-year playoff drought, the Rockets made a comeback last season with an impressive 52-30 record. However, their postseason run ended abruptly. Heading into the offseason, the team aimed to build on their momentum by acquiring future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns.
2025-26 Season Outlook
Going into the current season, it was anticipated that the Rockets would feature a lineup of Şengün, Smith, Durant, Thompson, and Fred VanVleet. However, a significant setback occurred when VanVleet tore his ACL last month. This injury left the Rockets without a dedicated point guard, complicating head coach Ime Udoka’s strategy.
To adapt, Udoka has opted to promote Amen Thompson as the primary ball-handler. This decision follows Thompson’s breakout performance in the 2024-25 season. The effectiveness of this lineup, particularly in ball-handling and shooting capabilities, remains a point of contention.
Future Prospects
As the season progresses, it will be crucial for the Rockets to evaluate their lineup. Ime Udoka has the flexibility to make changes if the current configuration does not yield favorable results. The upcoming games will be essential in determining if this bold approach works for the team.
