Surprising Rockets' lineup change could resurrect their defensive identity

The Houston Rockets were one of the best defensive teams in the NBA in 2024-25. That hasn’t been the case in 2025-26, and that’s been a big part of their disappointing 0-2 start.

Last year, defense was integral to their identity. Rival squads knew they’d struggle against the Rockets. This year, it’s the Rockets who are struggling. Their 113.7 Defensive Rating ranks 12th in the NBA.

What happened?

Rockets’ lineup change could be affecting them

There are a couple of related factors that are killing this team’s defense.

Firstly, the dual big man lineups are problematic. The Rockets evidently intended to rely on a zone defense throughout the year. Unfortunately, Steven Adams’ slow feet have found him out of position too frequently.

That would be a smaller problem if the Rockets had more point of attack defenders. Outside of Amen Thompson, they’re lacking in that area, which brings us to our second problem. With Fred VanVleet injured, Thompson is required to guard the point of attack. He can do that, but it disallows him from freelancing the way he has throughout most of his Rockets tenure.

Thompson can’t be the event creator he’s been when he’s guarding opposing team’s best player. It seems like VanVleet was a load bearing piece. Without him, the team’s entire game plan collapses.

What can be done?

Rockets need to adjust starting lineup

Firstly, abandon the double bigs.

For now, Houston should start Thompson, Josh Okogie, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun. When Dorian Finney-Smith returns, they should put him in Okogie’s place.

That group should be better on both ends. The Rockets will cede some advantage in rebounding (they’re once again leading the NBA in Offensive Rebounding % at 41.6% ), but they’ll be more agile on the defensive end. This lineup also has better spacing, which ought to lend the offense some much-needed juice.

It doesn’t solve everything. Amen Thompson is still the best point of attack defender in the two proposed groups. That said, Ime Udoka could choose to put Okogie or Finney-Smith on the best perimeter defender. That could prove a worthy trade-off as Thompson is able to resume wreaking havoc in passing and driving lanes and blocking shots from the weakside.

An 0-2 start never ruined an 82-game NBA season. The Rockets have plenty of time left. That said, the time to make adjustments is now. The Rockets need to get back to being a dominant defensive outfit:

Until they do, they’re a team without an identity.