Rockets give a tantalizing glimpse at monstrous lineup that could define their season

As the Houston Rockets entered their third preseason game, with a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans in Birmingham, Alabama, the return of Steven Adams was a strong signifier that this game could be an opportunity for the team to fully test out the "double-big" lineup that became their secret weapon towards the end of last season.

Test it they did, with a starting lineup featuring Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr, Alperen Sengun and Adams, and their extensive run on the court together could represent a growing trend in the absence of starting point guard Fred VanVleet.

With Thompson now being slated for a significant run at the point guard position, his unique skill-set could allow the Rockets to play a number of unique lineup combinations, including various iterations of their monstrous double-big pairing.

The double-big lineup looked effective in its first extensive run on the court

While fans got glimpses at Sengun and Adams together in the team's first preseason game, Adams's minutes have been limited so far as he eases into his workload. He missed Houston's second preseason game for precautionary purposes, and, while offseason signing Clint Capela got significant run in his absence, fans were still clamoring to see what Sengun and Adams could unleash this season.

While one of the major concerns heading into the season has been the offensive viability of the double-big lineup, this did not play itself out against New Orleans.

The Rockets jumped out to a quick 10-3 lead, and, although the team as a whole shot poorly from beyond the arc, the starting lineup posted a respectable 6-for-17 from deep, for now dissuading concerns about the spacing that this lineup combination could provide.

Smith looked especially adept from the perimeter, shooting 4-of-10 from beyond the arc and finishing the night with 26 points, 5 rebounds and one assist.

Moreover, Thompson looked to be gaining more comfort as an offensive facilitator, finishing the night with three assists and a number of flashy passes from the top of the key.

Capela, however, did not receive significant time on the court until the fourth quarter, when the team's second unit took over. Capela was signed this offseason to provide Houston versatility in playing their bigs, and one would assume that he will figure somewhat heavily into the team's ability to play the double-big lineup on a semi-frequent basis this season.

However, tonight we got to see Sengun and Adams back together in full force, and, with a 130-128 victory over the Pelicans, there was much reason to be excited for what this combination can provide this year.