Josh Okogie is making a strong case for a crucial Rockets role

There's no question about four of the Rockets' five starters - Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr - in their ideal playoff rotation, but it’s the fifth man that’s been a point of contention the entire season. While many suspect that the Rockets may give Reed Sheppard or Tari Eason the nod, another name may be more likely. Josh Okogie has emerged as a potential playoff starter for coach Ime Udoka.

Josh Okogie has impressed for the Rockets

Ever since Fred VanVleet's injury, Udoka and his staff have tailored their starting lineup to matchups. During Wednesday’s media availability, Udoka briefly addressed the conversation surrounding the Rockets' impending playoff starting lineup. “As we go, I think we’re kind of zeroing in on what we like matchup-wise,” Udoka said. “I pretty much know what I’m going to do.”

Okogie has been a pleasant signing for the Rockets. This year, he started 32 games for Houston. In 351 minutes played together, Okogie has the best NET rating amongst time spent with the four regular starters.

The Rockets' starters are great when Tari Eason is on the floor. When Eason shares the floor with the four solidified starters, the Rockets have a NET rating of +9.5 in 298 minutes played together. But when Okogie shares the floor with the aforementioned four starters, the Rockets post a positive NET rating of +11.1.

While shooting is not his calling card and was a question mark among fans at the start of the season, Okogie has proven to be a reliable deep threat for the Rockets. This season, he is shooting 38.5% from deep on two attempts per game.

The Rockets are 22-10 when Okogie starts. As a starter, he averaged 6.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. While those numbers won’t necessarily jump out at you, his efficiency should. Okogie is shooting a respectable 43.9% from deep on 2.6 attempts per game as a starter.

As the countdown to tip off winds down, it’ll be interesting to see who Udoka selects as his fifth starter. A key note is that the Lakers will likely be without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in the opening round.

It’s likely that Eason’s length and energy received the starting nod in previous Lakers matchups to combat that ball-dominant duo alongside Thompson. With those two sidelined, don’t be surprised if the Rockets opt to go with the shorter and feistier Okogie to open up their chase for a championship.

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