Rockets 0-2 Start Raises Durant, Role Questions

The Houston Rockets have started the 2025-26 season 0-2, suffering narrow losses amid defensive lapses and an unorganized offense, with questions emerging about who will consistently run the attack (Sheppard is being asked to shoulder more responsibility) and how Kevin Durant should be deployed in late-game situations as the loaded Western Conference already looks difficult. Oklahoma City has weathered a lengthy injury report by leaning on complementary basketball and a red-hot Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with young contributors impressing and off-court shoe-marketing jabs flaring between the Thunder and Timberwolves. The Lakers face skepticism from a rival coach about whether their early results are sustainable, and head coach JJ Redick addressed LeBron James’ absence to start the season after a loss to Golden State. In baseball, the Houston Astros missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016 amid injuries, an uneven offense, declining farm-system depth and front-office criticism; rookie Cam Smith showed enough to justify a fast track despite a slow finish, and a recently retired catcher has expressed a desire to manage in the future.