Houston Rockets · 3 notes
Kevin Durant will not play the Rockets' next game. Ime Udoka said the plan was to shut him down at halftime, but Durant wanted more reps with Fred VanVleet. The bigger aim: cut his minutes after a heavy load last year and "use our depth and not have to rely on him as much."
From the Rockets' practice: Marcus Smart was sick, by a brief, partly garbled account. Ime Udoka said Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams have "no restriction," but some players will miss back-to-backs early in the season while Houston leans on its depth.
"Reed will be a huge part of what we do." Ime Udoka on Reed Sheppard, despite a Rockets backcourt now including Marcus Smart and Fred VanVleet. Sheppard has improved everywhere, especially on defense. Udoka wants a 10-man rotation early, saving some developing players.