Houston Rockets to Start One of Tallest NBA Lineups vs Oklahoma City Thunder

The Houston Rockets are set to start one of the tallest starting lineups in NBA history on Tuesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder

The Houston Rockets are making headlines as they prepare to start the NBA regular season with one of the tallest starting lineups in league history against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. This unique approach highlights Houston's strategy heading into the 2025-26 season, although questions remain about whether this lineup is truly the tallest ever when measured by total height.

• The Rockets’ starting five average a combined height of 413 inches, featuring Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, and Steven Adams.
• The 1998-99 Dallas Mavericks hold the record for tallest starting lineup at 414 inches, narrowly edging out the Rockets.
• Oklahoma City Thunder return as the reigning NBA champions but face significant injuries impacting their lineup, including the absence of All-Star Jalen Williams.
• Kevin Durant's listed height is controversially understated at 6-10, though many consider him a 7-footer, which could have made the Rockets’ lineup record-breaking if officially recognized.
• The Rockets' new "all-tall" lineup has sparked lively debate on social media about its effectiveness against elite guards like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Stephen Curry.

An unprecedented height strategy from the Rockets

The Rockets have announced a starting five comprising Amen Thompson (6-7), Jabari Smith Jr. (6-10), Kevin Durant (6-10), Alperen Sengun (6-11), and Steven Adams (6-11). This makes for an exceptionally tall lineup, with an average height of approximately 6 feet 10.2 inches per player. Despite this, social media researchers have identified a previous team that holds the record for combined height: the 1998-99 Dallas Mavericks starting five, which totaled 414 inches thanks to 7-foot-plus players Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Anstey, and Shawn Bradley, the latter standing at an imposing 7 feet 6 inches.

This historical context underscores the rarity of the Rockets’ lineup approach. However, the fact that Kevin Durant is officially listed at 6-foot-10 complicates the record discussion. Many analysts and fans believe Durant to be closer to 7 feet tall, but he has never officially adjusted his height in NBA records, which prevents the Rockets from claiming the tallest starting lineup title.

Thunder’s championship defense amid injuries

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the season as heavy favorites to repeat as NBA champions after winning their first Larry O'Brien Trophy last year. Despite this success, the team is plagued by injuries, creating lineup challenges for head coach Mark Daigneault. All-Star swingman Jalen Williams is out recovering from wrist surgery, which removes a key versatile defender and scorer from the Thunder’s rotation.

The expected starting lineup when fully healthy includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein. With Williams sidelined, Aaron Wiggins is expected to start, supported by bench players Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace. Caruso’s capacity to guard bigger opponents makes him a valuable defensive addition to counter the Rockets' towering lineup.

Rockets’ rise and dynamic team composition

Last season, the Rockets finished with a 52-30 record, ending a four-year playoff drought. They made headlines during the offseason by acquiring future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns, greatly elevating their championship aspirations. Durant quickly integrated into the team’s system during a flawless preseason, where Houston won all four games.

Alongside Durant, center Alperen Sengun continues to impress following his All-Star season, and guard Reed Sheppard is expected to maintain the team's offensive flow, particularly with Fred VanVleet out due to an ACL injury. Jabari Smith Jr. is also poised for a breakout season, benefiting from the talented surrounding cast.

The Rockets' coach Ime Udoka faced a tough decision after VanVleet’s injury eliminated their true point guard option. Instead of forcing either Reed Sheppard or Aaron Holiday into a traditional point guard role, Udoka opted for a "bigger" lineup that allows Amen Thompson to handle primary ball-handling duties, marking a strategic shift focused on size and versatility.

Social media reaction and matchup implications

The announcement of the Rockets’ “all-tall” starting five swiftly generated buzz on social media platforms like X. Fans and analysts shared memes and commentary, highlighting the unique height advantage Houston brings to the court. While some view the size advantage as a potential problem for teams like Oklahoma City, others question whether the lineup has sufficient ball-handling and shooting ability to prosper in today’s pace-and-space NBA environment.

Critics particularly point out the challenge posed by elite guards such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the Thunder and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, who had eliminated Houston in last season’s playoffs. Thus, despite their size, the Rockets will need more than height to compete at the highest levels.

Injury updates and strategic adjustments

The Rockets will enter the opener without Fred VanVleet, Jae’Sean Tate, and Dorain Finney-Smith, all sidelined due to injuries. Isaiah Crawford’s status remains questionable. For the Thunder, the list of absentees is extensive, including Jalen Williams, Nikola Topic, Kenrich Williams, Isaiah Joe, and Thomas Sorber, leaving coach Daigneault to adjust his lineup accordingly.

On opening night, the Rockets plan to deploy Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson in the backcourt, with Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. on the wings and Sengun anchoring the paint. Meanwhile, the Thunder will field Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and likely Aaron Wiggins in place of the injured Williams.

Looking ahead to an intriguing season opener

The season opener sets the stage for a new chapter in Houston’s rebuild, with star power and size leading the charge. Meanwhile, the Thunder look to start their championship defense strongly despite injury setbacks. Both teams face narrative-rich storylines, including Houston’s quest for their third NBA title and Oklahoma City’s attempt to break the recent trend of no repeat champions in the modern era.

As the Rockets trot out what many consider one of the tallest starting lineups in the history of the league, basketball fans will be keen to see if this gamble pays off against a highly motivated and dynamic Thunder squad led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The outcome could shape the competitive landscape of the Western Conference early in the 2025-26 NBA season.

Questions and answers

Q: Who are the tallest starting lineups in NBA history?

A: The tallest starting lineups in NBA history often featured multiple players standing over 7 feet tall. For example, the 1983-84 Washington Bullets had an exceptionally tall frontcourt with players like Manute Bol and Jeff Ruland. Similarly, the 1990s Phoenix Suns occasionally fielded a lineup with several towering players such as Charles Barkley and Tom Chambers. These lineups leveraged height to dominate in rebounding and shot-blocking, making them formidable opponents on both ends of the court.

Q: Houston Rockets starting lineup 2025-26

A: As of now, the official Houston Rockets starting lineup for the 2025-26 NBA season hasn't been finalized or announced. Rosters can change due to trades, drafts, and player development. Typically, the Rockets focus on developing young talent and blending experienced players to create a competitive starting five. For the most current lineup closer to the season, checking official team sources or reliable sports news outlets will provide accurate information.

Q: Kevin Durant official height

A: Kevin Durant's official height is widely listed as 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 meters). Despite being listed at this height, some measurements suggest he might be slightly shorter or taller depending on whether shoes are included. His combination of height, wingspan, and skill makes him one of the most versatile and effective forwards in NBA history.

Q: Oklahoma City Thunder injury updates

A: Injury updates for the Oklahoma City Thunder can vary frequently during the NBA season. As of the latest reports, the team is managing minor injuries to key players but generally maintains a healthy roster. For the most timely and accurate information, checking the Thunder's official website or recent press releases will offer the latest on player availability and recovery timelines.

Q: Impact of height in NBA lineups

A: Height plays a significant role in NBA lineups by influencing a team's rebounding, shot-blocking, and interior scoring capabilities. Taller players often provide defensive advantages and presence in the paint, while shorter players may offer speed and perimeter shooting. However, modern NBA strategies increasingly emphasize versatility, so height alone isn't the sole determinant of success; skill, athleticism, and teamwork also critically impact lineup effectiveness.

Key Entities

Houston Rockets: The Houston Rockets are an NBA team based in Texas that has a history of developing young talent and undergoing multiple rebuild phases. They recently traded away star player Kevin Durant, signaling a shift toward a new roster composition featuring promising young players like Amen Thompson.

Oklahoma City Thunder: The Oklahoma City Thunder is an NBA franchise known for rebuilding through high draft picks and developing young prospects. They acquired Kevin Durant from the Houston Rockets, aiming to bolster their competitive status with the former MVP.

Kevin Durant: Kevin Durant is an NBA superstar who was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Oklahoma City Thunder. As a former MVP and scoring champion, his move impacts the strategic outlook of both franchises involved.

Amen Thompson: Amen Thompson is a promising young player recently integrated into the Houston Rockets’ roster as part of their team rebuilding process. His development is viewed as critical to the franchise’s future success.

Mark Daigneault: Mark Daigneault is the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading the team through a rebuilding phase focused on player development. His guidance is instrumental as the team incorporates new talents including Kevin Durant.

External articles

• The Houston Rockets tonight will debut the tallest starting ...
• Top Memes and Reaction to Kevin Durant, Rockets' 'All- ...
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YouTube Video

Title: Kevin Durant says 'it’s all love' with Thunder fans after Rockets star booed
URL: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0EcJvJr-faE