There’s no denying Amen Thompson’s talent.
Through 50 games in the 2025-26 season, Thompson’s been an absolute force on both sides of the ball, averaging 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while shooting 50.2% from the field. As the primary ballhandler for the Houston Rockets all season, his playmaking has also taken a step forward, as he’s averaging a career-high 5.5 assists per game.
While he’s progressed as a playmaker, he still has room to improve as a shooter. He’s shooting just 20% from beyond the arc this season, and his inability to shoot the 3 has hurt Houston’s offense while allowing defenses to leave him open.
After the Rockets beat the OKC Thunder 112-106 with Thompson on the bench battling an illness, some are calling for him to be removed from the starting lineup to give Houston more shooting on offense.
Thompson off the bench?
Regardless of whether head coach Ime Udoka decides to bring Thompson off the bench against the Clippers, it looks like he’ll play. Thompson is available to suit up after missing the win due to an illness, meaning Udoka will be forced to make a decision.
While it might be a gamble for Houston to switch its starting lineup this late in the season, it’s clear that the Rockets need more spacing on offense. Houston’s offense has tanked since the calendar flipped to 2026, and opposing defenses are doubling off Thompson to put pressure on Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun to navigate double teams.
Even if the move doesn’t pay off, what do the Rockets have to lose? Anyone that Houston brings in through the buyout market won’t single-handedly solve their shooting problems, so the solution will have to come internally. Sheppard performed admirably in Thompson’s spot against OKC, logging 16 points on an efficient 7-for-12 effort from the field while dishing out 6 assists.
He only shot 25% from deep against the Thunder, but he’s a respected shooter, and teams can’t afford to leave him open. With Thompson unwilling to even shoot when he’s wide open, Sheppard’s shooting gravity offers a lot more space for Sengun and Durant to operate.
When paired with Tari Eason, who hit five threes and scored a game-high 26 points against OKC, having Sheppard in the lineup gives Houston a more balanced offense. Durant and Sengun had just 22 shot attempts, but shot a combined 54% from the field.
Moving Thompson to the bench may not be the answer for Houston, and the Rockets will need him to be at his best to make a deep playoff run, regardless of what his role is. That being said, a team like the Clippers is a perfect opportunity for Udoka to tinker with the lineup. Udoka may put all the rumors to bed and start Thompson anyway, but Houston’s offense is clearly flawed, and there’s still time to look for a solution.
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Will Amen Thompson still start for Rockets after win over OKC Thunder?
Reporting by Henry Daley, Rockets Wire / Rockets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
