Jazz vs. Rockets Preview: Sheppard Makes Preseason Debut, Rockets Aim for a Strong Start with Full Roster

On October 8 at 9 AM, the NBA preseason continues with the Jazz hosting the Rockets.

The Jazz are in a rebuilding phase; last season they ranked 12th in the West and missed the playoffs with a record of only 31 wins and 51 losses. During the offseason, there were few changes to the Jazz’s roster, retaining their core player Markkanen while acquiring Eubanks, Mills, and Mykhailiuk from the free market. In terms of rookies, the Jazz selected Williams with the 10th pick, Collier with the 29th pick, and Filipovski with the 31st pick. Departing players include Dunn and Yurtseven, with the main lineup largely unchanged from last season.

In their first preseason game, the Jazz secured a significant home victory over the New Zealand Breakers, winning 116-87. The playing time for the starters was limited, with Markkanen playing only 15 minutes and scoring 13 points and 3 rebounds. Collins, George, Clarkson, Sengun, and Tshiebwe also scored in double digits, with Tshiebwe leading the team with 19 points. All 13 players who took the court for the Jazz scored.

The Rockets finished last season ranked 11th in the West, narrowly missing out on the play-in tournament. After several seasons of rebuilding, the team is gradually getting back on track. Young talents such as Sengun, Jalen Green, Smith Jr., Whitmore, and Amen Thompson have shown significant improvement, and with veterans Dillon and VanVleet anchoring the team, the Rockets’ goal for the new season is to make the playoffs.

During the offseason, the Rockets’ roster remained largely unchanged, with the biggest gain being the selection of Sheppard with the third overall pick in the draft. In previous preseason games, this third overall pick performed exceptionally well. Sheppard comes from a prestigious background, having been a key player at Kentucky University with excellent shooting skills and accuracy from beyond the arc. With disappointing performances by Lissajhes and Sarr in the summer league, Sheppard is a strong contender for Rookie of the Year honors this season.

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