44 articles

HOU • G • #15
15 days ago
Sheppard had the hot hand against Milwaukee. All but one of his 15 shots were three-pointers, and he finished just one made triple away from logging 10 makes. Nevertheless, the second-year guard was one of Houston’s most productive scorers on the evening. His production has fluctuated throughout the season, but with back-to-back 20-point games, Sheppard could be entering the postseason with some momentum.

HOU • G • #15
15 days ago
After going with a bigger starting lineup in Tuesday’s rout of the Knicks, it’s business as usual for the Rockets on Wednesday. Sheppard returns to the starting lineup, with Tari Eason heading to the bench.
Source: Varun Shankar

HOU • G • #15
20 days ago
Though Sheppard’s 28 minutes were fewer than the other starters, that was enough time for him to stuff the stat sheet. It took time, but Sheppard appears to be locked in as a starter. In that role over their last five games, he has averaged 15.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 2.6 steals, 1.0 block and 3.4 triples per game, which has led to top-20 production in nine-category leagues despite him shooting 40.3 percent from the floor during that stretch. Sheppard is a fantasy superstar, and he’s finally getting the chance to showcase what he can do.

HOU • G • #15
26 days ago
Sheppard hit double digits in assists for the second time in his career on Saturday, with the 14 assists representing a new high. Add in the efficient scoring and the steals, and this was another excellent night for Sheppard in his new role. Moving into the starting lineup raised his ceiling, and Sheppard has shown in both games that he was ready for the opportunity.

HOU • G • #15
27 days ago
The Rockets rolled out a new starting lineup on Friday, with Sheppard replacing Tari Eason, and both were productive in their new roles. The second-year guard shot 4-of-7 from beyond the arc and recorded a complete stat line, while Eason added 10 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block and one three-pointer. Following the game, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said that he plans to stick with the new lineup for the next six to seven games, which is good news for those rostering Sheppard.
Source: Will Guillory

HOU • G • #15
27 days ago
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has changed the starting lineup. Sheppard moves into the starting five, with Tari Eason being dropped to the bench. While still capable of providing solid fantasy value in a reserve role, Eason possesses a lower ceiling with the lineup change.
Source: Vanessa Richardson

HOU • G • #15
about 1 month ago
The Rockets won’t have Jabari Smith Jr. for Friday’s game, as he is out with an ankle injury. As a result, Sheppard, who started for Thompson earlier this week, returns to the starting lineup.
Source: NBA Lineups

HOU • G • #15
about 1 month ago
With Jabari Smith Jr. returning from a sprained ankle, Sheppard was pushed back to the bench on Thursday. That didn’t prevent the second-year guard from having one of his most productive nights as a pro. Sheppard recorded his second career 30-point game, finishing one point shy of his career-high. Also, he’s made at least four three-pointers in six straight games. Those who picked up Sheppard when Smith went down with his ankle injury should hold onto the young guard until he cools off. Smith struggled on Thursday, shooting 0-of-8 from the field and finishing with three points, 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal, one blocked shot and five turnovers.

HOU • G • #15
about 1 month ago
While he didn’t have the best night shooting the basketball, Sheppard did something that has rarely been done in the NBA this century. He became the fourth player since 2000 to record a line with at least 19 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, six steals and two blocked shots, joining Nikola Jokić, James Harden and Andrei Kirilenko. However, this performance may not be enough to keep Sheppard in the starting lineup, as head coach Ime Udoka said before Monday’s game that he may go back to his regular starting five once Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) returns. Smith is expected to be available for Thursday’s game against the Warriors.
Source: Justin Russo

HOU • G • #15
about 2 months ago
The Rockets won’t have Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) for a few games, which opened up a spot in the starting lineup for Sheppard. He didn’t have a great day shooting the basketball, with the second-year guard making four of his 11 attempts from beyond the arc. However, Sheppard did not commit a turnover in his 36 minutes. Having shown at various points this season that he can provide suitable fantasy value, Sheppard is worth slotting into lineups ahead of Houston’s four-game Week 19.

HOU • G • #15
about 2 months ago
The Rockets won’t have Jabari Smith Jr. for the next two games, as he sprained his ankle during Thursday’s win over the Magic. Sheppard moves into the starting lineup, raising the second-year guard’s short-term fantasy ceiling.
Source: NBA Lineups

HOU • G • #15
about 2 months ago
After knocking down a career-high seven three-pointers as a starter on Wednesday, Sheppard was back to playing his role off the bench in this game with Amen Thompson (quad) healthy. However, he was still able to make a huge impact on both ends of the floor. Along with the points and triples, Sheppard provided four “stocks” in the win. This game was another example of the fantasy superstar that he can be in a larger, more consistent role.

HOU • G • #15
about 2 months ago
Sheppard moved into the starting lineup on Wednesday, as the Rockets were without Amen Thompson due to a quad injury. The second-year guard certainly didn’t get cheated offensively, as he recorded career-highs in made three-pointers (seven) and three-point attempts (16). A double-figure scorer in seven straight games, Sheppard’s 28 on Wednesday were the most in a game for him since he hit that number in a December 20 win over the Jazz. Sheppard’s fantasy value for Thursday’s game in Orlando will depend on Thompson’s availability.

HOU • G • #15
about 2 months ago
Thompson is dealing with left quad tendonitis and will not play against the struggling Kings. Sheppard moves into the starting lineup, and the second-year guard is a worthwhile streamer in this spot. Kevin Durant, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Şengün will complete the Rockets’ starting five.
Source: Lachard Binkley

HOU • G • #15
2 months ago
With Kevin Durant (ankle) sidelined for this game, Sheppard started for the first time since Dec. 1 and was able to get off to a strong start by scoring 11 points in the first half. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to add any more points after the break, though he was able to contribute in other categories to make this a well-rounded stat line despite it being a subpar shooting night for him. This isn’t expected to be a long-term absence for Durant, but if he remains out against the Celtics on Wednesday, Sheppard could get another start.

HOU • G • #15
2 months ago
Rockets coach Ime Udoka said that Durant tweaked his ankle by stepping on a fan’s foot on Sunday, and they’re hoping it isn’t a lengthy absence for him. Sheppard should see plenty of usage and minutes as a starter against a rebuilding team.
Source: Vanessa Richardson

HOU • G • #15
3 months ago
On a night when Houston’s starters didn’t have their best stuff early on, Sheppard gave the Rockets important production off the bench. The second-year guard shot 5-of-10 from the field in the second half, and the 21 points were the most he’s scored in a game since a December 20 win over the Nuggets in which he tallied 28. Sheppaed has been ranked outside the top-200 in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks, so the season-long value has taken a hit. That said, he’s capable of having nights like Tuesday when he offers excellent production.

HOU • G • #15
4 months ago
With Houston blowing Saturday’s game open during the second and third quarters, there were a few more minutes available to Sheppard. However, the second-year guard has been a standout for most of the season, despite coming off the bench on most nights. Sheppard recorded a complete stat line against the Cavaliers, and he’s played at least 30 minutes in three of his last five appearances. Sheppard is rostered in 41 percent of Yahoo! leagues, and one can argue that more 12-team managers need to hop onto the bandwagon.

HOU • G • #15
4 months ago
Of the 29 points scored by the Rockets’ reserves on Saturday, Sheppard was responsible for 28 of them. The second-year guard had one of his best games of the season in Denver, with his complete stat line on Saturday including six three-pointers and five “stocks.” While there was optimism in some fantasy circles before the season began, few expected Sheppard to be a top-75 player in eight-cat formats. He’s rostered in 39 percent of Yahoo! leagues, which may be low despite Sheppard still coming off the bench.

HOU • G • #15
5 months ago
Sheppard moved into the starting lineup with Kevin Durant (personal) unavailable for two games, but with KD back, Sheppard remained a starter, with Josh Okogie returning to the bench. Sheppard played 31 minutes in the blowout win, and while he didn’t do much scoring, he was able to make a big impact on this game. Assuming Sheppard remains a starter, he should be a reliable option in fantasy hoops for the remainder of the season, with potential to be one of the best late-round picks this year.

HOU • G • #15
5 months ago
After tallying just seven points in a win over the Suns on Monday, Sheppard responded on Wednesday with his third 20-point game of the month, and first 30-point game of his young career. He was productive from beyond the arc and dazzled in the midrange, which led him to finish as Houston’s leading scorer on the evening. He also made an impact with his rebounding and playmaking in the win. The sophomore guard continues to put together a strong season and should remain an important piece going forward.

HOU • G • #15
5 months ago
The Rockets won’t have Kevin Durant for Monday’s game, as he is away from the team for personal reasons. Sheppard, who has provided top-75 value in nine-cat formats this season, moves into the starting lineup to fill the void. The other change is Okogie, who replaces Steven Adams after the veteran center started Friday’s loss to the Nuggets.
Source: Michael C. Wright

HOU • G • #15
5 months 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
5 months 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
6 months 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
6 months 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
6 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 • G • #15
6 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
6 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