Coverage this week centers on Houston's offense, Jabari Smith Jr.'s steady growth and Alperen Sengun's return, and the numbers back most of it across seven games. They do not settle who plays guard while Reed Sheppard and Clint Capela are day-to-day and Steven Adams is out.
Oct. 30
Hoops Rumors, RealGM and Rockets.com all reported that Houston exercised Reed Sheppard's fourth-year option, and RealGM put the figure at $14M for 2027-28. The decision backs the player, not his availability. A back problem listed him out on Oct. 29, and he is day-to-day now after four games played this season.
Oct. 31, in Dallas
ESPN reported that Kyrie Irving scored 35 and Flagg added 33 as the Mavericks beat Houston 116-111 for its first loss. The Dream Shake called it a "comedy of errors." The scoring held: Kevin Durant had 28 and Jabari Smith Jr. 22. Durant averages 22.0 through seven games, which fits The Dream Shake's view that he need not carry the load every night.
Oct. 31, against Oklahoma City
Hoops Rumors reported Alperen Sengun ready to return after one missed game. He has played five of Houston's seven and was listed out twice. Space City Scoop called him essential on both ends. The offense checks out: 22.8 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.4 assists a night, then nine assists in the win. Team defense is 108.9 over seven games, which does not isolate him.
Oct. 31, Smith's growth
Space City Scoop wrote that Smith has progressed brilliantly without a superstar leap. The first half holds up: 19.0 points on 44.7 percent from three through seven games, then 30 points with six threes against the Thunder. A +33 night is one game, not a trend, and the sample is still only seven games.
Nov. 1
Space City Scoop argued that Ime Udoka's Coach of the Year case is being built by the offense. The rating agrees: 121.2 offensive, a 12.3 net, 6-1. The backcourt does not. Fred VanVleet was cleared today, but Sheppard and Capela are day-to-day and Steven Adams is listed out until Nov. 9. By our count, all six recent day-to-day listings on this club meant a missed game.
Is Reed Sheppard healthy for the Celtics game?
He is day-to-day with a back problem and carries a Nov. 2 return listing. By our count, all six recent day-to-day listings on this club meant a missed game, so his status is worth checking before tip.
Who do the Rockets play next?
Houston hosts the Celtics on Nov. 2, then the Timberwolves on Nov. 4. The Rockets are 6-1 and second in the West.
