Overview
- Houston closed out a perfect preseason by beating Atlanta 133-115, with Sheppard delivering 29 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 blocks in 29 minutes on 12-of-22 shooting and 5-of-13 from three.
- Ime Udoka rested multiple rotation players for the finale, including Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Steven Adams and Clint Capela.
- Atlanta used most regulars, but Trae Young struggled at 4-of-14 shooting for 12 points with 10 assists and a minus-18 in 28 minutes.
- Udoka indicated the starting lineup could be fluid early in the season as the staff balances health and matchups.
- The Rockets open at the Thunder on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. CT on NBC, with ball-handling minutes available due to Fred VanVleet’s long-term knee injury.