As the Houston Rockets continue their strong start to the NBA season, two of their young stars off the bench—Amen Thompson and Tari Eason—have been generating buzz around a potential shakeup in the starting lineup.
According to a recent article by Bleacher Report writer Grant Hughes, the Rockets’ defensive dominance when Thompson and Eason share the court together could be a compelling reason to consider moving them into the starting five.
“While it’s understandable that head coach Ime Udoka might want to lean on a starting group with a couple of vets in it, the work Thompson and Eason are doing on D could lift the Rockets to another level,” Hughes writes. “Houston absolutely dominates (plus-17.1 net rating; 94th-percentile defensive rating) whenever those two are on the court together.”
The Rockets have invested significant money in veteran free agents Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, who currently hold down the starting spots. However, Thompson and Eason’s impressive play off the bench may force Udoka’s hand sooner rather than later.
“At the very least, the Rockets need to acknowledge that both Thompson and Eason are bigger parts of the team’s long-term plans than VanVleet and Brooks,” Hughes suggests. “More immediately, the defensive upside alone is worth exploring more.”
While breaking up the Rockets’ current starting lineup could disrupt team chemistry, the potential defensive boost from Thompson and Eason may be too enticing to ignore. Their youthful energy and two-way impact have already made them integral pieces of Houston’s rotation.
The decision to insert the talented duo into the starting five will ultimately come down to Udoka’s evaluation of the team’s needs and long-term goals. For now, Thompson and Eason will likely continue to thrive in their bench roles, providing a spark whenever they check into the game.
Amen. Thompson News: Getting Green Light Sunday
According to Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network, Amen Thompson will play in Sunday’s Rockets game against the Chicago Bulls. Thompson, who has been a revelation for the Rockets this season, seemingly suffered a right quadriceps injury during Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
However, the 21-year-old rookie will push through the soreness and suit up for the team’s road contest against the Bulls. In 13 games this season, Thompson has averaged an impressive 11.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting a blistering 53.1% from the field.
His energy, athleticism, and two-way impact have made him an invaluable asset off the Rockets’ bench. Rockets fans will be eager to see if Thompson can maintain his high level of play as the team looks to extend its winning streak against a struggling Bulls squad.
Rockets vs. Bulls: Injury Report, Depth Chart & More As Houston Continues Winning Streak
The Houston Rockets will look to continue their recent hot streak when they hit the road to face the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on Sunday. Riding the momentum of an undefeated three-game homestand, the Rockets boast an impressive 9-4 record, having won six of their last seven games.
Amen Thompson and Tari Eason have been game-changers off the bench, providing a defensive spark and complementing the team’s starting unit. Meanwhile, the Bulls have struggled to find consistency, posting a 5-8 record and going just 2-6 in their last eight games.
However, Chicago has proven to be a tricky opponent, securing impressive wins against teams like the Knicks and Magic. The Bulls feature a trio of players averaging over 20 points per game—Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Coby White—giving them the offensive firepower to challenge any opponent.
But their defensive woes have made them vulnerable at times. In contrast, the Rockets boast a more balanced offense and a stronger defensive identity than the Bulls. Alperen Sengun, who is averaging 17.3 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, and Jalen Green, who has the scoring prowess to exploit Chicago’s defensive gaps, lead the Rockets.
Injury Reports And Depth Charts
Bulls Injury Report
The Bulls are nearly at full strength, with only Lonzo Ball set to miss Sunday’s matchup. Head coach Billy Donovan reports that Ball’s wrist injury will require at least another week of rehabilitation before he can return.
Rockets Injury Report
The Rockets may be without a few key players, including Amen Thompson, who is listed as questionable due to quadriceps soreness. Moreover, the two-way contract center N’Faly Dante is unlikely to play, and Steven Adams is out due to his ongoing recovery from a right knee injury.
As the Rockets enter this matchup as the favorites, they’ll be aiming for their fifth consecutive win. With Sengun and Green leading the way, Houston has found a winning formula that could prove too much for the inconsistent Bulls to handle.
While Chicago’s offensive firepower, led by LaVine and White, poses a threat, the Rockets’ improved defensive identity may be the difference-maker in this contest as they look to extend their impressive start to the season.
Table of Contents