With Kevin Durant on pace to make his return to the court on Tuesday night for Game 2 between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers, the Rockets are set to change up their starting five.
As Houston’s head coach, Ime Udoka addressed reporters for his pregame press conference ahead of Game 2, he discussed the starting lineup scenarios for both cases of Kevin Durant.
According to Jovan Buha, Udoka told the media he would roll with the same starting lineup as Game 1 if Durant was going to be ruled out.
However, if Durant was cleared for action, Reed Sheppard would take on a bench role, being the odd-man-out with Durant entering the lineup.
Houston Rockets’ Starting Lineup vs Los Angeles Lakers
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 10: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts /amduring the second half at Toyota Center on April 10, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The Rockets are going to start Amen Thompson, Josh Okogie, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun.
Houston is looking to even the series on Tuesday night. When they went into Game 1 without Durant, who was dealing with a knee contusion, the Lakers took full advantage of the situation, despite being undermanned themselves.
Jabari Smith and Amen Thompson led the Rockets in minutes with 43 each. Smith produced a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Thompson accounted for 17 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds.
Okogie put up seven points while coming up with two steals, while Alperen Sengun had 19 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
Sheppard checked in for 36 minutes. He struggled with his shot, going just 6-20 from the field. He made five of his 14 three-point attempts. Sheppard also dished out eight assists, but turned the ball over four times.
Kevin Durant Will Make His Rockets Playoff Debut
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 23: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets smiles while talking to head coach Ime Udoka in the second half while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 23, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Rockets acquired Durant for moments like this. After struggling as a young team in the NBA Playoffs last year, Durant was supposed to be the missing piece to the puzzle.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t solve their issues without him in Game 1. Fortunately, he’ll make his Houston postseason debut on Tuesday.
This year, Durant played in 78 games for the Rockets. The veteran forward averaged 26.0 points, while shooting 52.0% from the field and 41.3% from three.
Durant also produced 5.5 rebounds per game and 4.8 assists per game. Tuesday night will mark Durant’s 171st playoff appearance.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Rockets Announce Starting Lineup vs Lakers After Kevin Durant News appeared first on Heavy Sports.