21 articles
HOU • G • #15
1 day ago
While Sheppard got off to an inconsistent start on the offensive end of the floor, he’s picked up the production recently. The second-year guard has reached double figures in three straight games, and he’s recorded seven steals during this stretch. Sheppard’s four steals on Sunday were a career-high, surpassing the three he recorded in an October 25 loss to the Pistons. While he still isn’t at the point where he has to be rostered in 12-team leagues, Sheppard is a player to watch for the back end of Week 4, as Houston doesn’t play again until Wednesday.
HOU • G • #15
3 days ago
Sheppard set a new season-high in points and logged his second double-digit scoring performance in a row, again using the three-point shot to his advantage on Friday. His best moments came during the second quarter, when he led the Rockets in scoring, tallying eight points and a pair of triples. The second-year guard has seen increased opportunities early in this season and is taking advantage of them. He’s not an impactful fantasy player yet, but he could potentially become one if he remains on this upward trajectory.
HOU • G • #15
20 days ago
Sheppard was not in the starting five for Tuesday’s opener, with Rockets head coach Ime Udoka preferring to go with a big lineup that featured Amen Thompson at the point. Sheppard did play 28 minutes off the bench, but there were struggles, especially on defense. Oklahoma City wasted no time attacking Sheppard in the half-court while forcing him to make plays offensively. This wasn’t the worst night for the second-year guard, but it was a reminder of how much room for growth there is. And with Aaron Holiday picking up a DNP-CD, playing time should not be an issue for Sheppard.
HOU • G • #15
25 days ago
Houston’s rotation for Thursday’s preseason finale was limited, as head coach Ime Udoka rested most of his key players. However, that decision opened things up for Sheppard, who took advantage of the opportunity. In addition to shooting efficiently and making plays for others, the second-year guard was an absolute menace defensively. Sheppard’s role on Thursday did not resemble what he’ll be asked to do once the games count. However, his solid play throughout the preseason was encouraging, especially with Fred VanVleet (knee) possibly missing the entire season. Sheppard isn’t an automatic top-100 pick in standard drafts, but he should not last too far beyond that threshold.
HOU • G • #15
about 1 month 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 • G • #15
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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 • G • #15
4 months ago
Sheppard led Houston in scoring in two straight Summer League appearances, but he notably struggled with ball security and efficiency. Houston doesn’t need to see any more from the second-year guard in this year’s Summer League, and Sheppard will head into the season battling Aaron Holliday for reserve minutes with the Rockets. It’s possible he emerges with a bigger role this year.
Source: Kelly Iko
HOU • G • #15
4 months ago
Sheppard led Houston in scoring in two straight Summer League appearances, but he notably struggled with ball security and efficiency. Houston doesn’t need to see any more from the second-year guard in this year’s Summer League, and Sheppard will head into the season likely to occupy a similar role to the one he held as a rookie. Don’t expect much playing time for the offense-first guard.
Source: Kelly Iko
HOU • G • #15
4 months ago
After going off for 28 points against the Clippers on Friday, Sheppard was held in check Sunday afternoon. The turnovers were more concerning than the shooting, as the second-year guard recorded six while dishing out just one assist. To make an impact with the Rockets next season, Sheppard has to be consistently efficient on offense while not being a liability on defense. How much more he plays in Las Vegas remains to be seen, but he may want an opportunity to redeem himself on the heels of Sunday’s effort.
HOU • G • #15
4 months ago
The third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Sheppard may be overqualified for Summer League. The Rockets certainly sent Sheppard to Summer League to prepare for a bigger role in his second NBA season after averaging just 12.6 minutes per game last year. Sheppard took over Friday’s game in a variety of ways and appears ready for more minutes in the Rockets’ backcourt rotation this year.
HOU • G • #15
5 months ago
Lerner said that Sheppard is participating to help him prepare to play a larger role in his second season. After Houston selected him with the No. 3 pick in 2024, Sheppard played just 12.6 minutes per game across his 52 appearances, though all signs point to Sheppard playing more in year two. How well he performs in Summer League should be a solid indicator of how much he will play for the Rockets next season, though the other moves this team could make will also open up minutes for him.
Source: Danielle Lerner
HOU • G • #15
7 months ago
Sheppard made a second straight start on Friday, as the Rockets once again rested most of their starters. Houston has secured the two-seed in the West for next week’s playoffs, resulting in players like Sheppard seeing more action. The rookie guard has recorded nine assists and seven turnovers in his two starts. The assist-to-turnover ratio isn’t great, but Sheppard has hit double figures in scoring in both games. Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Nuggets may be another opportunity for Sheppard to start, as Houston already knows its playoff seed.
HOU • G • #15
8 months ago
After over three weeks on the sidelines with an avulsion fracture in his right thumb, Sheppard was cleared to return on Sunday. Houston winning by 39 points ensured there would be minutes available to the rookie, who finished one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Sheppard will not help fantasy managers this season, but the opportunities he does receive the rest of the season will be of interest to those preparing for the 2025-26 campaign.
HOU • G • #15
8 months ago
Initially declared out for Sunday’s game, Sheppard will be available after missing a little under one month with an avulsion fracture in his right thumb. While the rookie being available is excellent news for the Rockets, Sheppard is unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball.
Source: Vanessa Richardson
HOU • G • #15
8 months ago
Sheppard is working his way back from an avulsion fracture in his right thumb, having recently played some 5-on-5. If the rookie is made available for Sunday’s game, he’s unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball. Rockets coach Ime Udoka said Sheppard might be sent to the team’s G League affiliate for additional reps during his pregame availability.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • G • #15
8 months ago
Sheppard has enjoyed some great moments as a rookie, but he’s largely been out of Houston’s rotation even while Fred VanVleet (ankle) continues to miss time. His extended absence won’t be majorly impactful in the world of fantasy hoops.
Source: Ben DuBose
HOU • G • #15
8 months ago
Sheppard has enjoyed some great moments as a rookie, but he’s largely been out of Houston’s rotation even while Fred VanVleet (ankle) continues to miss time. His extended absence won’t be majorly impactful in the world of fantasy hoops.
Source: https://x.com/BenDuBose/status/1898498694858621075
HOU • G • #15
8 months ago
Sheppard is dealing with a right thumb avulsion injury and will not be available for Saturday’s game. Even with Fred VanVleet (ankle) also out, the rookie guard’s exclusion will not impact fantasy basketball.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • G • #15
8 months ago
Sheppard was tabbed to make his first start on Monday with the Rockets down four starters. The matchup wasn’t easy, but the rookie had a good night in Oklahoma City. Not only were the 25 points a season-high, but this was also Sheppard’s first 20-point game. Add in the complete stat line, and this was a profitable night for the few who willingly streamed Sheppard. The Rockets visit the Pacers on Tuesday, and some absent starters should be back on the court. If so, there won’t be much need to hold onto Sheppard.
HOU • G • #15
8 months ago
The Rockets are without Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Tari Eason for Monday’s game. Sheppard, Whitmore, Smith and Landale move into the starting lineup, with Smith having a chance to stick once Brooks, Sengun, Thompson and Eason return. (VanVleet may miss multiple games with his ankle injury.) All four fill-ins are worth streaming on Monday due to the Rockets’ lack of healthy options.
Source: NBA Lineups