9 players averaged double figures in points per game. The time for Rockets vs. Thunder has been set. 3 advantages are striving for a good start.

Who would have thought that the Rockets could defeat their opponents all the way to a perfect record of 4 wins and 0 losses in the preseason? What's even more surprising is that there are actually 9 players in the team averaging double figures per game, and their offensive firepower of 131 points per game directly ranks first in the league. The Rockets are no longer the youth team without a backbone. The full-scale explosion from the core to the bench has revealed the confidence to compete with the Thunder for the championship in the new season.

Let’s first talk about the old and new core group of this team. The performance of these people in the preseason directly sets the tone of the team. Jabari Smith is definitely the one who has made the most obvious progress. He is the team's scoring leader with an average of 17.7 points per game. His field goal percentage of 48.6% has increased a lot compared to last season. Especially his three-point shooting accuracy has improved visibly. In the game against the Pelicans, he scored 26 points with 4 three-pointers in a single game. It was a star-level performance. His special training with Durant during the offseason was indeed in vain. He used to be a little timid in playing, but now he is much more decisive whether he is catching and shooting from the outside or breaking through with the ball to cause damage. In addition, his confrontation ability has been upgraded after gaining weight, and he can also average 2 blocks per game on the defensive end. He has become an indispensable offensive and defensive fulcrum for the forward.

Durant's joining is a real help in times of need. The average of 17.5 points per game does not seem to be an exaggeration, but his 56.5% shooting rate shows that his efficiency is astonishingly high. In the preseason, he was obviously holding back. He didn't play much but always stood up at critical moments. His pick-and-roll cooperation with Shen Jing has become the team's killer move. In the second game, when he assisted Shen Jing for an alley-oop dunk, it was clear that the two had a good chemistry. At the age of 37, he no longer has to carry the team as he did before. This "efficient paddling" state is even more terrifying. After all, in the playoffs, his unsolvable singles are the team's most reliable weapon.

Amen Thompson's transformation is even more surprising. He averaged 17 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4 assists per game, coupled with a 56.3% shooting rate. It is completely impossible to tell that he is a young player who is still in the period of improvement. In the past, everyone was always worried about his shooting, but now he not only dares to shoot three-pointers, but also makes them. In the game against the Pelicans, he made 2 of 3 shots and made all 9 free throws. On the offensive end, he can score in a variety of ways. His advancing speed of 7.8 meters per second is rare in the league, and his dunks after stealing the ball and counterattacking have become a famous scene in the preseason. On the defensive end, he can guard from the 1st to the 5th position. When he and Shen Jing are on the same court, they can win by 12 points per 100 possessions. This combination has become the team's fundamentals.

Shen Jing has completely evolved into a Jokic-style playmaker, averaging 8.3 assists per game, which is more than many pure point guards. His performance of 26 assists in three games is too impressive. His support ability in the high post was fully activated by Uduka. The team was able to send out 32 assists against the Jazz, which was largely due to his go-between. Although his scoring dropped to 13.3 points, his role is more important than simply scoring. He can score at the basket, feed Capela, and find open teammates on the outside. This all-round performance makes the Rockets' offensive system come alive.

The most surprising thing is the "Substitute Team". After VanVleet was retired for the season, many people were worried that the back line would be compromised. As a result, Shepard stepped up directly, averaging 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists per game, and 1.5 steals while also taking care of defense. In the final game, he scored 29 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, and he controlled the court with ease. Okogie has become a defensive lock on the outside, averaging 13 points and 1 steal per game, shooting 55.6% from the field. In the final game, he scored 28 points and also had 3 blocks. He has become a reliable firepower on both ends of the offense and defense.

The performance of Ethan and Davison is also worthy of praise. Ethan scored 12.7 points while shooting 53.3% from the field. In the past, layups always seemed reckless, but now the rhythm has changed more and the finishing stability is much higher; Davison has a two-way contract but averaged 10.5 points and 3.5 assists per game. The data of 4 steals shows that he is full of defensive enthusiasm and completely filled the rotation gap. Even Holiday, who shot only 35.9% from the field, made shots that stabilized the team at critical moments against the Pelicans. Although his accuracy still needs to be adjusted, his big-hearted attributes at critical moments have already appeared.

In the opening game of the 2025-2026 NBA regular season, the showdown between the Rockets and the Thunder has been determined to officially start at 7:30 on October 22. The game will be held at the Thunder's home court - Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. As the highlight of the new season, this game was officially arranged by the NBA during the prime time of the opening game. It will kick off the season together with the Warriors vs. Lakers showdown that will start at 10:00. The entire game will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock platforms, which shows the importance the league attaches to this showdown.

The Thunder will hold a grand championship award ceremony before this game, including raising the 2024-2025 season championship flag, awarding championship rings to players, etc. This is also the first time in the history of the Thunder that such a celebration has been held. The most topical aspect of this opening game was undoubtedly the return of Rockets player Durant to the Thunder's home court as a visiting team to witness the championship award ceremony of his old club. Durant played for the Thunder for 9 seasons from 2007 to 2016, during which he won 1 MVP and 4 scoring titles. He led the team to the Finals and is one of the most representative stars in the history of the Thunder.

However, the Rockets have a high probability of getting off to a good start against the Thunder in the opening game. The reason is actually very simple. The first is the depth of the lineup. Although the Thunder's core lineup is strong, the thickness of the rotation is far less than that of the Rockets. The Rockets' preseason games have proven that even if they field a "3.5 team", they can still win with the firepower of seven players scoring in double figures. Using substitutes to overturn the entire Hawks lineup in the final game is the best example.. Once the Thunder's core players get into foul trouble or feel cold, it will be difficult for anyone on the bench to step up to make up for the firepower. However, the Rockets can score with any substitution. This advantage of all players being able to play will be particularly obvious in the high-intensity confrontation in the opening game.

Secondly, the tactical adjustment is more mature. After 4 games in the preseason, the Rockets have found a clear tactical rhythm. Uduka placed Durant on the wing to open up space, activating Shen Jing's support ability. Coupled with Amen's counterattack and Jabari's outside shooting, this offensive system has been able to operate smoothly. While the effective shooting rate reached 56.7%, the offensive rebound rate can still exceed 40%. It can play both positional battles and counterattacks.

Finally, the inside advantage is obvious. The Rockets' "three towers" lineup is too restrained for the Thunder. Shen Jing's support, Capela's pie-eating, and Adams' rebounding stranglehold. The three centers have their own focuses and can cope with different game scenarios. Although the Thunder's inside line is dynamic, the Rockets' Shen Jing's passing on the offensive end can pull the Thunder's inside line out and create open opportunities for Durant and Jabari. This kind of internal and external linkage play is difficult for the Thunder to defend even if they want to.

Of course, the Rockets are not without their shortcomings. There is still room for improvement in defensive efficiency. In two games, their opponents scored close to 130 points. The problem of Amen and Shepard averaging 2.7 turnovers per game also needs to be solved. Durant's physical management is a long-term test. But the preseason record of 5 wins and 0 losses has fully proved that the team can grow in adversity. After all, even when the core point guard is reimbursed for the season, it can still perform such a strong performance, which in itself is a manifestation of strength.

It is not unreasonable for ESPN to rank the Rockets third in the Western Conference, and the season prediction of 56 wins and 26 losses is by no means empty talk. The opening game against the Thunder is just the beginning. Judging from the firepower, depth and integration shown in the preseason, this team with both talent and experience is fully capable of competing with the Nuggets and Thunder in the Western Conference, and even launching an impact on the championship. The Rockets take off to win the championship. This time it is really coming.