Rockets fans will get their first real glimpse at monstrous lineup in season opener

As the Houston Rockets enter the season, one of their biggest weapons is the versatility of their rotation, and, with a number of players approaching or exceeding the 7-foot threshold, their height could prove be a serious advantage in various matchups throughout the course of the season.

Now, as they prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the opening game of the NBA season, it has been announced that Steven Adams will be starting, meaning the infamous double-big will make its first appearance in the team's very first game of the season.

While fans got a glimpse at the lineup in just one of the team's preseason games, this will be its first major test, and its continued use this season depends upon its ongoing offensive viability.

The double-big lineup will make its first appearance Tuesday night against the Thunder

Last season, as the team attempted to lean into its hard-nosed, defensive identity under head coach Ime Udoka, they increasingly turned towards having both Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams on the court in order to dominate the glass on both ends of the floor.

Through the 150 minutes the pair played together last season, they gave the team's net rating a 32.7-point boost, and it became clear, as they were utilized more, that the combination was a serious weapon for the Rockets given the right matchups.

Yet, the obstacle that prevented the team from leaning it on it entirely was the lack of spacing and offensive efficiency that the lineup provided.

Now, however, with Kevin Durant on the roster, they have a player who can fill the gaps on offense both as a scorer and as a facilitator, making the double-big lineup infinitely more viable on a routine basis this season.

Moreover, the addition of Clint Capela in the offseason gives them additional versatility, especially when Adams is resting.

While this will not be a night-after-night look for Houston, the Thunder make perfect sense as an opponent to debut this lineup against. Oklahoma City often likes to run their two centers, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, alongside each other, and they present one of the more formidable frontcourts in the league.

Holmgren and Hartenstein gave the Thunder a 10.7-point boost in their net rating when they were on the floor together last season.

Therefore, the Rockets' opening game will serve as a major test of the viability of this lineup this season, and the results could have major implications for the amount of versatility the team's rotation possesses.