Atlanta played its regulars while Houston sat its big names, but Reed Sheppard (29 points) and Josh Okogie (28) still put up huge numbers in another preseason win.
As expected, the Houston Rockets held out numerous rotation regulars in Thursday’s preseason finale at Atlanta. Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela were all unavailable as they rest up for next Tuesday’s challenging regular-season opener at Oklahoma City.
Yet, the absence of those veterans did open up more minutes and shot attempts for one player who should play versus the Thunder, and that’s second-year guard Reed Sheppard.
In an impressive 29 minutes versus the Hawks, Sheppard finished with 29 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 blocks, all while making 12-of-22 shots (54.5%) and 5-of-13 from 3-point range (38.5%).
Best of all, the 21-year-old Kentucky product — drafted at No. 3 overall in 2024 — put up those numbers in a winning context. Despite being undermanned versus an Atlanta squad playing most of its regulars, the Rockets went +11 in Sheppard’s minutes and went on to win the game, 133-115 (box score).
Highlights are available below.
From both teams, other statistics of note included:
Josh Okogie (Rockets): 28 points, 3 blocks, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals; 8-of-15 shooting (54.3%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40.0%), 10-of-12 on free throws (83.3%)Isaiah Crawford (Rockets): 20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; 8-of-14 shooting (57.1%), 4-of-7 on 3-pointers (57.1%), +23 in 31 minutesJeff Green (Rockets): 16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; 4-of-11 on 3-pointers (36.4%)Aaron Holiday: 16 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds; 5-of-12 shooting (41.7%), 6-of-6 on free throwsJD Davison: 14 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 steals; 5-of-11 shooting (45.5%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40.0%)Kristaps Porzingis (Hawks): 23 points, 13 rebounds, 4 turnovers; 8-of-14 shooting (57.1%), 6-of-8 on free throws (75.0%)Trae Young (Hawks): 12 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds, 4 turnovers; 4-of-14 shooting (28.6%), 2-of-6 on 3-pointers (33.3%); -18 in 28 minutesZaccharie Risacher (Hawks): 24 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals;Â 10-of-18 shooting (55.6%), 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50.0%)
With Thursday’s win, the Rockets finished as one of only three undefeated teams (joining the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs) in preseason play.
Next up is transferring that success to the regular season, which begins versus the Thunder on Tuesday night. Tipoff is at 6:30 p.m. Central, and the game will be televised to a national audience on NBC.
With veteran guard Fred VanVleet sidelined by a serious knee injury, Sheppard is believed to be among the leading contenders for that vacated starting lineup spot. Thursday’s exhibition performance certainly didn’t hurt his chances.
Rockets coach Ime Udoka said the Rockets’ starting lineup might be fluid game to game to start the season, or at least until everyone is healthy.
— Danielle Lerner (@danielle_lerner) October 17, 2025