Rockets plan to start Tari Eason on Tuesday, Reed Sheppard on Wednesday
· Yahoo Sports
Six games after inserting Reed Sheppard into the starting lineup and removing Tari Eason, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka is going back to his prior formula for at least one game.
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Citing matchups, Eason started in Tuesday’s game against the New York Knicks (48-27) alongside the usual four starters of Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun.
Eason brings more size and defensive versatility to the table, while Sheppard is a superior shooter and ball-handler.
Udoka did not commit to the latest configuration being permanent. At various junctures of the 2025-26 NBA season, the Rockets have tried Steven Adams, Josh Okogie, Eason, and Sheppard in that role.
Eason played well in a pair of weekend victories over the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 15.5 points (46.2% FG, 36.4% on 3-pointers) and 7.5 rebounds in 25.5 minutes.
Meanwhile, Sheppard has slumped over his last four outings, shooting just 31.4% overall and 27.8% on 3-pointers (at 9.0 attempts per game).
1. Nice WNBA/Comets hoodie from Ime Udoka
— Michael Shapiro (@mshap2) March 31, 2026
2. Lineup change from Rockets’ coach before tonight’s game vs. New York.
Kevin Durant
Amen Thompson
Alperen Şengün
Jabari Smith Jr.
Tari Eason
Udoka with a few addendums:
• Reed Sheppard will start vs. Milwaukee
• Tonight’s… pic.twitter.com/HEwyyB2rPI
Houston’s next two games are on Wednesday and Friday versus the Milwaukee Bucks (29-45) and Utah Jazz (21-55), who — at least on paper — are considerably easier opponents than New York.
Udoka indicated that Sheppard would likely return to the starting lineup on Wednesday, and the outlook beyond that game is not yet clear. When Sheppard began starting games on March 20, Udoka indicated that it was not yet a permanent assignment, adding that the plan would be re-evaluated prior to the playoffs.
After Wednesday, the Rockets will have only six regular-season games left to play. Udoka did indicate Tuesday that he wants to settle on a consistent fifth starter before the playoffs.
Tari Eason back in the starting lineup for Reed Sheppard, per Udoka, who says it’s matchup related.
— Varun Shankar (@ByVarunShankar) March 31, 2026
Sheppard will likely start tmrw vs Milwaukee, the coach said.
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets plan to start Tari Eason on Tuesday, Reed Sheppard on Wednesday