Rockets Finalize Opening-Night Roster Before Hosting Bucks

The Rockets have their opening night roster set after waiving a trio of players over the weekend, and Houston appears ready for 2019-20 with 15 players along with two additional two-way contracts.

As the Rockets aim for their eighth consecutive playoff appearance, let's break down Houston's roster by position.

Guards (6)

James Harden
Russell Westbrook
Eric Gordon
Austin Rivers
Michael Frazier (two-way)
Chris Clemons (two-way)

Houston once again trots out an impressive guard trio, this year swapping Russell Westbrook for Chris Paul. Austin Rivers should earn significant minutes in his second year with Houston, while rookie Chris Clemons will look to add scoring punch if he cracks the rotation. Expect to always see two of Harden, Westbrook and Eric Gordon on the floor at all times.

Forwards (6)

P.J. Tucker
Danuel House
Gerald Green
Ben McLemore
Thabo Sefolosha
Gary Clark

Gerald Green's foot injury places a major question mark on the wing, with a slate of unproven (or aging) options looking to fill the minutes gap. Danuel House will start for Houston this season, and Ben McLemore could fill Green's instant-offense roll. P.J. Tucker remains the Rockets' defensive anchor, and he should remain on the wing after hefty minutes at center last season. 

Centers (5)

Clint Capela
Tyson Chandler
Ryan Anderson
Nene
Isaiah Hartenstein

Clint Capela should feast alongside Russell Westbrook and James Harden this season. Can the rest of the unit hold up? Tyson Chandler fits the prototype of a rim-running center, though his age will limit his minutes throughout the season. Don't be surprised if Houston leans on Ryan Anderson in units with Westbrook for additional spacing, though Anderson's defensive limitations should keep his minutes in the low teens. A midseason pickup may be needed to stabilize the rotation behind Capela.