Josh Okogie is Poised for a Major Role With the Rockets

The Houston Rockets are gaining momentum after consecutive wins following a tough 0-2 start to their season. Their latest victory was a commanding 139-121 win over the Toronto Raptors.

Starting Lineup Adjustments

The team is still deciding who will join stars Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson in the starting five. Jabari Smith Jr. has impressed with 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists, securing his spot in the lineup.

The Fifth Spot Competition

With Fred VanVleet sidelined for the season, coach Ime Udoka has experimented with several options to fill the last starting position. On opening night, Steven Adams was part of a very tall lineup, but in recent wins against Brooklyn and Toronto, Josh Okogie took over that guard spot.

Josh Okogie's Role and Performance

Okogie, a 6-foot-4 guard, allows the Rockets to field a lineup with players in their natural positions rather than relying on a big-man-heavy formation. Despite the team's early defensive struggles, their offense has been outstanding, with Okogie contributing efficiently on that end.

Against the Raptors, Okogie scored 10 points, grabbed one rebound, and dished out two assists on 4-of-5 shooting in just 23 minutes.

He is currently averaging 9.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1 assist per game this season.

Summary

Josh Okogie has emerged as a key guard for the Rockets, blending defensive skill with efficient scoring to help stabilize the starting lineup and support the team's strong offensive pace.

Sports Illustrated — 2025-10-31