Durant is absent from the Suns, and the Rockets have changed their starting five. Shepard partners with Amen, and no one is available on the front line.

The Rockets have been in turmoil this season. First, VanVleet was seriously injured, and then Ethan was injured. The team's strongest lineup has always appeared, which also led to Uduka trying multiple starting lineups. At 10:30 on November 25, the Rockets faced the Suns. The two teams completed a big deal in the off-season. Green, Dillon and Durant swapped teams. This match was originally a lot to watch, but Jaylen Green was absent due to injury, and Durant also missed the chance to face his old club. Only Dillon could rebel.

According to reporter Shams, he will miss the two games against the Suns and Warriors because he has to deal with family matters. Coincidentally, these two teams are Durant's old teams. In the past two games, Durant has been in average condition. Not only is his shooting percentage low, but his defense can't keep up. The value of this deal is declining. The Suns are a dark horse this year and have not declined all the way. They are currently only half a game behind the Rockets and ranked sixth in the Western Conference. The Rockets and Suns are in the same level.

With Durant unable to play, the Rockets' starting five will inevitably change their lineup. Adams + Shen Jing will continue to partner inside to ensure offensive rebounds and penalty area defense. The Suns have two centers Mark Williams and Richards inside, which requires the Rockets' twin towers to deal with it. Shen Jing will get more opportunities to dominate the ball. He lacks the team's top scorer and needs a role player to make up for it. The twin towers will limit the shooting space, but it is an opportunity for Shepard. After a few outbreaks, Shepard has a high demand for being the main player, and he happens to take advantage of this opportunity to become the main player.

The backcourt is partnered by Shepard + Amen Thompson. The characteristics of the two players are complementary. Shepard's unreasonable three-pointers this season have become phenomenal, and his passing has also improved. If Shepard can seize the opportunity, it is expected to completely change Uduka's technical and tactical starting, and at the same time activate Amen, allowing him to return to a cutting and defensive style of play. Injuring Durant does not mean that the Rockets will collapse. The starting lineup is still very offensive.

The forward line is the thickest position of the Rockets, but Ethan and Finney Smith are absent due to injuries, and Durant is temporarily unable to play. The Rockets only have Jabari Smith as a regular forward, and no one is available as a substitute. Veteran Jeff Green is too old, and it is difficult to assume the important task of rotating forwards. Amen Thompson can not only play as a defender, but also as a forward in the second team. There are also Holiday and Okogie in the backcourt. In terms of rotation numbers, the Rockets have enough. Uduka only has 8-9 regular players on the field.

After losing to the Nuggets in the last game, their ranking dropped to fourth in the Western Conference. The Rockets need to wait for the return of all injured players. The focus of the match against the Suns is undoubtedly Shepard, who is expected to make his first start of the season. He is now more confident, and facing Booker will test Shepard's defensive ability. Without Durant, Shen Jing + Shepard will be the Rockets' only two players with independent offensive capabilities. In addition to the twin-tower lineup, Uduka also needs to maximize Shepard's scoring ability.