113-122
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Hawks
17-13|L10: 5-5
Houston
Rockets
20-7|L10: 6-4
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ATL • F • #10
2 months ago
Risacher shot an efficient 6-of-8 from the floor and 2-of-3 from downtown, finishing behind only Jalen Johnson (20 points) for team lead in the scoring department. Last season’s No. 1 pick is in line for plenty of playing time in Year 2, and fantasy managers will hope he doesn’t experience a sophomore slump.
HOU • G • #15
2 months ago
After an occasionally shaky performance in Houston’s preseason opener on Monday, Sheppard looked more comfortable Wednesday night. Having Kevin Durant on the floor certainly helps, but the second-year guard deserves credit for his improved production and efficiency. With Durant, Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün on the court, there won’t be too much pressure on Sheppard if he were to begin the regular season as Fred VanVleet’s (knee) replacement in the starting lineup. Selecting him with a top-100 pick would be too much, but Sheppard should be drafted in all standard leagues.
HOU • Center • #28
2 months ago
Fred VanVleet’s torn ACL has placed the spotlight squarely on second-year guard Reed Sheppard during the preseason, but he isn’t the only capable playmaker at head coach Ime Udoka’s disposal. Şengün and Amen Thompson (19/7/6/2/1 with one three-pointer) are also positive assets, with the latter finishing Wednesday’s victory with a points/assists double-double. Şengün has averaged 2.6 turnovers per game over the last three seasons, but can he maintain that with increased playmaking responsibilities? If so, the Rockets center can be a fantasy stud in 2025-26.
HOU • • #
2 months ago
Smith remained in the starting lineup on Wednesday, with Tari Eason (8/3/3 with one three-pointer in 19 minutes) dropped to the bench to make room for Kevin Durant. Of course, this does not mean Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has finalized his starting lineup, but Smith’s perimeter shooting ability may give him the edge. The fourth-year forward shot 3-of-5 from beyond the arc against the Jazz, and that floor-spacing ability will be critical since neither Amen Thompson nor Alperen Şengün offers much value as a perimeter shooter.
HOU • Forward • #35
2 months ago
Durant did not show off the full repertoire on Wednesday, but he did show flashes of why many believe he’ll raise Houston’s ceiling this season. After shooting 1-of-4 from the field in the first quarter, Durant was 6-of-6 in the second and third quarters before ending his night after 23 minutes of action. Even with the point guard position being a question mark due to Fred VanVleet’s torn ACL, Durant’s offensive ability will make a difference for the Rockets. The days of being a first-round pick in fantasy leagues may be in the rearview mirror, but KD should be off the board in the second round in standard leagues.
HOU • Forward • #35
2 months ago
Durant, who did not play in Monday’s win over the Hawks, will make his Rockets preseason debut Wednesday night, bumping Tari Eason to the bench. Of course, the future Hall of Fame forward will be the focus of many, but his credentials are well-known by now. Sheppard remains the most essential Rocket to watch this preseason, as he looks to lock down a starting role with Fred VanVleet (knee) sidelined.
Source: Houston Rockets
HOU • Forward • #35
2 months ago
Durant sat out Monday’s preseason opener against the Hawks, but he’ll take the court for the first time in a Houston uniform on Wednesday against Utah. The future Hall-of-Famer is expected to play a major role for his new team in the 2025-26 season as the Rockets pursue a championship.
Source: Danielle Lerner
ATL • Guard • #9
2 months ago
After taking on a key role off the bench in Minnesota, Alexander-Walker will do the same in Atlanta after agreeing to a four-year, $62.5 million deal in July. The defensive potential of a NAW/Dyson Daniels tandem on the perimeter may excite fans the most. Alexander-Walker’s first stint on Monday was played alongside Daniels (8/3/5/2/1), who finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season. Alexander-Walker can also be used alongside Trae Young (9/2/8 with two three-pointers), and the versatility gives him a shot at achieving fantasy relevance in his new home.
ATL • Forward • #1
2 months ago
Monday’s exhibition game was the first live action for Johnson since suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in January. He shot the ball well against the Rockets and was active defensively, recording two steals and two blocked shots. Also notable from Monday was Johnson starting at power forward, where he spent most of his time last season. According to Cleaning the Glass, he spent 98 percent of his minutes at the four in 2024-25. The Hawks started Kristaps Porziņģis alongside Johnson on Monday, with Onyeka Okongwu coming off the bench. Given his lack of experience at small forward, Johnson should benefit from remaining in a familiar role instead of guarding up in a bigger lineup.
ATL • F-C • #17
2 months ago
An official decision has yet to be made regarding the Hawks’ starting lineup once the regular season begins. However, Okongwu came off the bench Monday night, with offseason addition Kristaps Porziņģis (five points, one assist and one steal) starting at the center position. While some fantasy managers may have been disappointed by Monday’s development, two things must be kept in mind. Okongwu will still play plenty, and there will likely be times when the two posts are on the court simultaneously. Also, Porziņģis has logged 60 games or more just once since the 2016-17 season. Given the track record, there will likely be an extended absence at some point, and Okongwu’s value would increase in those spots.
HOU • Center • #28
2 months ago
With Kevin Durant sitting out Monday’s preseason opener, Şengün was left to lead the way offensively for Houston’s starting unit. He was excellent as a scorer and playmaker for others, with the latter being especially important since the Rockets are unlikely to have Fred VanVleet (knee) this season. Şengün can make plays for himself or his teammates, even operating on the perimeter sometimes. Even if Houston decides to start a more traditional point guard to account for Fred VanVleet’s absence, Şengün will boast a raised fantasy ceiling due to the increased need for his playmaking ability.
HOU • Forward • #17
2 months ago
Eason started Monday’s preseason opener but did not play much, logging 11 minutes. However, fantasy managers likely know he can offer value in limited minutes. Eason shared the team lead in rebounds with Jabari Smith Jr. (9/6/1 with two three-pointers) while recording a few assists. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said last week that the team may look to avoid playing Eason in both games of back-to-backs, at least early in the season. After playing 82 games as a rookie, a lingering left leg injury limited the forward to 79 games combined in 2023-24 and 2024-25. If Eason can stay reasonably healthy, he’ll be worth rostering in category leagues.
HOU • G • #15
2 months ago
While the Rockets have not decided who will step into the role left vacant by the injured Fred VanVleet (knee), they’ll likely give 2024 lottery pick Sheppard every opportunity to win the job. The second-year guard played 14 minutes in Monday’s preseason opener, offering limited production in that role. Starting center Alperen Şengün is a capable playmaker for others, so the ball will be in his hands more with VanVleet unavailable. As a result, Sheppard’s assist production may not spike if he’s allowed to start once the regular season begins.
HOU • G • #15
2 months ago
With Fred VanVleet lost for the season due to a torn ACL, the Rockets’ starting point guard position is currently unclear. In the team’s first preseason action, Sheppard’s inclusion in the starting lineup is certainly noteworthy, as the second-year guard averaged just 12.6 minutes across 52 regular-season games during his rookie campaign, averaging 4.4 points on 35.1/33.8/81.3 shooting splits. His minutes on Monday will be without the newly acquired Kevin Durant, who will not make his preseason debut against Atlanta. Reed’s performances throughout the preseason will be something to monitor and could have an impact on when he is selected in fantasy basketball leagues.
Source: Danielle Lerner
HOU • Forward • #17
3 months ago
Finney-Smith, who agreed to a four-year deal worth $53 million in July, underwent surgery on his ankle in early June. When asked about the veteran forward’s status for the upcoming season, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said DFS probably would not be available when the team opens the regular season on October 21. Finney-Smith has only partially participated in early practices, limited to non-contact activity. On Monday, he said that he’s been running and should be back “soon.” However, there’s no timeline on a return to action for Finney-Smith, who was believed to be in contention for a place in the starting lineup. With Fred VanVleet (knee) possibly out for the entire season, Houston has two starting spots to fill during training camp.
Source: RocketsWire
HOU • Forward • #17
3 months ago
Eason and Adams have suffered lower-body injuries in recent seasons, with the former dealing with a leg issue and the latter undergoing knee surgery. Potentially resting them for part of back-to-backs is certainly understandable, especially with Houston’s depth in the frontcourt. However, with the Rockets’ first back-to-back not until December 5-6, the team will have time to assess the health of Eason and Adams before making a final decision. Adams’ availability won’t significantly impact fantasy basketball, as Alperen Şengün will play most of the minutes at center, and Houston added Clint Capela in free agency. However, Eason has top-100 fantasy potential, especially in points-punt team builds. He’s expected to be in the running for a place in the Rockets’ starting lineup, along with Jabari Smith Jr.
Source: Danielle Lerner
ATL • Forward-Center • #8
3 months ago
Porziņġis was limited down the stretch for the Celtics last season, as an unspecified illness prompted moments when his energy “crashed.” After returning to action in mid-March, the forward/center only surpassed 30 minutes in six of the 23 games he played, two of which came in the playoffs. Traded to the Hawks during the offseason, a healthy Porziņġis can be an excellent asset for fantasy managers, especially if his early ADP numbers hold. As of Monday, he has an ADP of 54.8 in Yahoo! leagues.
Source: Kevin Chouinard