Did Reed Sheppard Pass His Starter Test For The Rockets?

Houston Rockets' Head Coach Ime Udoka has said that while he's willing to experiment between starting Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason in the regular season, he's still planning on having a set lineup for the postseason. Both players have had recent surges, but Sheppard might set the rest of the starters up for success if he gets the call in the playoffs.

Sheppard has had two strong games in a row, playing a big role off the bench against the New York Knicks and leading the Rockets in scoring from the starting lineup against the Milwaukee Bucks

There is significantly more space on the floor when Sheppard can join Amen Thompson, Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr., and Kevin Durant. He adds another deep range shooter to help keep defenses honest when Şengün or Durant are attacking in the middle of the floor. With the increased space, Thompson is able to lurk in the dunker spot when team's double against Durant or Şengün.

The offense looks more successful when the Rockets can utilize Sheppard's ball handling and his shooting. His ability to get his shots around screens is vital for Houston, creating easy shot opportunities or forcing teams to switch to a position advantageous for the Rockets.

Eason can also stretch the floor when he is having a hot shooting night, but he doesn't have the level of on-ball skill Sheppard has.

Eason has more of a motor when it comes to defense and snatching down offensive rebounds. He may be the best offensive rebounder on the team now that Steven Adams is out for the year with an injury. However, that skill set may help supplement the offense when the Rockets are playing with less effective shooting when the bench comes in. His own shooting may help supplement the offense with the reserves during the postseason.

Of course, the same argument could be used for Sheppard, as his handling and scoring would be a valuable asset from the bench against opposing reserves. However, giving Durant another ball handler in the starting lineup to help him get the ball out of his hands quickly is a benefit to Houston's chances against strong defenses.

The Rockets may struggle against elite defenses if they are allowed to load up on the top three players and prevent them from playing their style. Adding Sheppard to the starters could help relieve some of that pressure, as evidenced by his last outing in the starting lineup.