Houston Rockets season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

The Rockets will largely run it back with their roster mostly intact after a disappointing first-round playoff exit in the wake of their much-hyped Durant acquisition. Houston is hopeful the return of veteran point guard Fred VanVleet , who missed all of last season with a knee injury, can unlock a talented core that never seemed to fit together consistently without an established primary ballhandler.

The Rockets have locked up young stars Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson to long-term deals in recent offseasons, but this may be their last chance to maximize the Durant era in Houston. The 37-year-old has a player option in his contract for next year. There's enough talent for the Rockets to contend with the best teams in the Western Conference if they've sorted out the chemistry issues with Durant a season later than expected.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses with 2026 draft prospects before the NBA Draft at Barclays Center.