The first week of the NBA schedule has already forced the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies to tinker with rotations and overcome absences.
Houston Rockets
Houston’s 0–2 start has highlighted the difficulty of operating without point guard Fred VanVleet. In Friday’s defeat, Kevin Durant scored 37 points, but the Rockets’ offense never found a rhythm, often settling for late-clock attempts. Head coach Ime Udoka opened both games with a double-big alignment that shored up the defense while reducing floor spacing.
Udoka is also alternating rookies Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard in the backcourt, hoping one can steady the half-court sets. “The adjustment is really just being able to put people in the right spot and be kind of like a second coach out there for Ime,” Thompson said. Durant added, “It’s always good having a versatile team, but once you throw different lineups out there, it’s tough. We’ll be patient and keep figuring it out. But defensively, we’re pretty solid.”
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks played Saturday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder without their entire starting frontcourt. ESPN reported that Kristaps Porzingis (flu-like symptoms) and rookie Zaccharie Risacher (right ankle sprain) were unavailable, while Jalen Johnson missed his first contest of the season with an ankle issue. Atlanta dropped to 1–2 after the short-handed loss.
Memphis Grizzlies
Size proved decisive in Memphis on Friday, where the Grizzlies were routed by the Miami Heat. With Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke still rehabbing from surgeries, Memphis lacked enough interior presence to slow Bam Adebayo and Kelel Ware, who controlled the paint in a 32-point Miami win, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Source: Hoops Wire
