Rockets fans got a glimpse of the “starting lineup of the future” many had been hoping to see since draft night in Friday night’s preseason finale against the Spurs. With big man Daniel Theis inactive due to injury, rookie Alperen Sengun started alongside Christian Wood in the frontcourt.
Jae’Sean Tate got the start at small forward. Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr., again were the starters in the backcourt.
From the start, all eyes were on Sengun as he isn't expected to supplant Theis as a regular starter until at least later in the season. For his part, Sengun impressed, scoring 15 points, grabbing 12 rebounds and blocking three shots in the 126-98 loss.