Rockets bold starting lineup choice could quickly turn disastrous

As the Houston Rockets enter their season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder, their decision to start the double-big lineup, featuring both Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams, could be a major indication of how extensively they will turn to this lineup throughout the course of the season.

Yet, even with Kevin Durant on the roster, there could be serious spacing issues when this lineup is used, and their matchup against the defensively staunch Thunder will prove to be a major test of its offensive viability.

Moreover, the double-big lineup worked so effectively last season because it was used almost as a secret weapon, with teams struggling to figure out how to match up against it late in the season. If Houston turns to it too quickly and too often this season, they could inadvertently give opposing teams the key to neutralizing it, leaving it relatively ineffective by the end of the campaign.

Therefore, although the double-big lineup will certainly be exciting to watch, head coach Ime Udoka is taking a serious risk in debuting it against Oklahoma City.

Playing the double-big lineup in the season opener could be a serious mistake

Prior to Tuesday night's game, it was announced that Udoka had slated the starting lineup to consist of Amen Thompson, Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Sengun and Adams.

In many ways, this makes sense given their matchup against the Thunder, who have both Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein in their frontcourt.

Having both Sengun and Adams on the floor was highly effective last season, with the team getting an absurd 32.7 -point boost to their net rating when the combination was played, and, with the addition of Kevin Durant, this lineup will likely become even more viable this season.

Yet, at the same time, there are still serious spacing issues within this lineup. Neither Sengun nor Adams could be considered anywhere close to a stretch big, and, to make matters worse, Thompson, who will be playing point guard, is not a particularly gifted perimeter shooter either.

Against a team that dominates both sides of the ball like the Thunder, the offense could be even more hard-pressed to get off their shots than they normally would when this lineup plays, and, if their opponent can get around screens and manage to stay staunch in the paint, this could prove to be troublesome for the Rockets.

Moreover, the NBA is a copycat league, and, if one team finds a successful formula against the double-big lineup, you can be certain that this will quickly spread throughout the league.

Therefore, while the lineup is an entertaining choice, and likely the right one, in the team's season opener, there could still be major problems that are presented as a result.