Overview

• Kevin Durant was a healthy scratch for the opener and is slated to make his Rockets debut Wednesday at home against the Jazz, coach Ime Udoka said.
• Alperen Şengün led the way with 19 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds in 17 minutes while orchestrating sets that featured double-big looks with Clint Capela and Steven Adams.
• With VanVleet out, Udoka is evaluating Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson as primary initiators and plans to rotate the fifth starting spot through preseason.
• JD Davison strengthened his case for backcourt minutes by posting 17 points on 5-of-7 from three with 4 assists off the bench, drawing praise from Udoka for his aggression and decision-making.
• ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted Houston faces first-apron limits and many new signees cannot be traded until mid-December, constraining immediate options to replace VanVleet externally.