The Rockets trimmed their camp roster on October 18 and head into Wednesday's opener with no injuries listed. The number to watch is Amen Thompson's three-point shooting, which was 21.6 percent last season.
Last season
Houston went 52-30 last season with a net rating of 5.4, sixth in the league. The offense rated 117.5, the defense 112.1, at a pace of 97.0. The playoffs ended in the first round against the Lakers, though the Rockets forced a game 6 after trailing 3-0. Thompson shot 21.6 percent from three over 37.4 minutes a night, so the growth of that shot is the number that matters.
The preseason
The exhibition run finished 2-1. Houston won 135-117 at Dallas on October 9, lost 115-132 to the Mavericks on October 11, then beat the Thunder 116-89 on October 15. Bogdanovic led that last game with 15 points and Sengun added 14. The same Dallas team is the first regular-season test, so the October 11 loss is worth a second look on tape.
October 18
RealGM reported that the Rockets waived Bryce Harris, Cameron Matthews and Caleb McConnell. The transaction log shows all three leaving that day. Hoops Rumors had reported a day earlier that Houston dropped three camp players without naming them. No reason was given for any of the moves. The cuts leave the 18 names on the roster list.
Health check
Steven Adams was cleared on October 17. Durant, Sengun, VanVleet and Eason were all marked cleared on October 15, but Eason was also listed day-to-day again that day, tagged undisclosed. No cause was given, and no injury is listed for Houston now. If Eason is fine, the rotation is whole for the first time since camp opened.
When do the Rockets play their first regular-season game?
Houston opens the 2026-27 season on Wednesday, October 21 against the Mavericks. The Rockets then play at the Spurs on October 23 and at the Hawks on October 24.
Who did the Rockets waive before the opener?
RealGM reported on October 18 that Houston waived Bryce Harris, Cameron Matthews and Caleb McConnell. No reason for the moves was given.
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