Reed Sheppard Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Rockets vs Pelicans game on Thursday with our National Basketball Association injury report.Dec 8, 2025
Muted performance in loss
Sheppard finished with 12 points (5-8 FG, 2-3 3Pt), two rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes during Saturday's 122-109 loss to the Mavericks.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard's fantasy appeal continues to leave a lot to be desired. Considering Alperen Sengun (illness) was out for a second straight game, Sheppard's fantasy managers were likely expecting much more. Over his last four outings, Sheppard is averaging 9.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.0 three-pointers in 23.1 minutes per contest.
Dec 3, 2025
Coming off bench
Sheppard isn't part of the starting five for Wednesday's game against Sacramento, Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard's streak of four consecutive starts will come to an end Wednesday, as he'll be replaced by Josh Okogie in the first unit. During the four-game stretch, Sheppard averaged 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.0 blocks across 29.5 minutes.
Nov 30, 2025
Busy on defense against Jazz
Sheppard totaled nine points (4-8 FG, 1-3 3Pt), six rebounds, four assists, two blocks and four steals in 31 minutes during Sunday's 129-101 win over Utah.
ANALYSIS
Making his third straight start, Sheppard tied his season high in both steals and blocks in a strong defensive effort. The second-year guard is averaging 15.7 points, 5.3 boards, 4.7 assists, 2.0 threes, 2.7 steals and 1.3 blocks since moving into the starting five in place to Steven Adams as Houston goes with a smaller lineup, and considering the team has won three straight road games with that alignment, Sheppard could stick in his current role for a while.
Nov 27, 2025
Erupts for career-high 31 in win
Sheppard registered 31 points (12-25 FG, 4-12 3Pt, 3-4 FT), nine rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal across 37 minutes during Wednesday's 104-100 victory over Golden State.
ANALYSIS
With Kevin Durant (personal) unavailable for a second straight game, Sheppard made his second start of the season and delivered a new career scoring high. The 21-year-old guard is taking a massive step forward in his second NBA season, scoring in double digits in nine of the last 10 games while averaging 17.1 points, 3.3 assists, 3.2 threes, 2.6 boards and 2.1 steals while shooting 53.8 percent from the floor and 47.1 percent from long distance.
Nov 24, 2025
Starting Monday
Sheppard will start Monday's game against the Suns, Matt Young of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
With Kevin Durant (personal) sidelined, Sheppard will get the starting nod for the first time this season. The second-year guard has averaged 17.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.0 steals in 28.0 minutes per game over his last five appearances.
Nov 22, 2025
Scores season-high 27 points
Sheppard recorded 27 points (9-13 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 4-6 FT), four assists and two steals over 37 minutes during Friday's 112-109 loss to the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard tallied double digits for the eighth straight game, scoring a season-high 27 points in what was also a season-high 37 minutes. After a modest start to the season, it appears as though Sheppard is earning the trust of the coaching staff. He started the second half Friday, an encouraging sign moving forward. Managers should feel relatively safe holding him in all formats.
Nov 20, 2025
Hits two three-pointers in win
Sheppard ended with 12 points (5-11 FG, 2-5 3Pt), two rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal in 23 minutes during Wednesday's 114-104 victory over the Cavaliers.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard extends his streak of hitting mulitple three-pointers to seven, averaging 15.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.1 steals, 0.4 blocks and 3.1 threes on a 51.2 percent clip in that span. While Sheppard lacks the offensive volume to be an elite fantasy asset, his efficiency has been amazing, and he will continue to be one of Houston's premier scoring options off the bench.
Nov 16, 2025
Efficient 16 points off bench
Sheppard registered 16 points (6-11 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, two assists and one steal over 29 minutes during Sunday's 117-113 overtime victory over Orlando.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard has now notched double digits in scoring in six games in a row and seven of his last eight. The second-year guard is back on the rise after a relatively sluggish start to the season, and he warrants consideration in most fantasy formats. Over his last six outings, Sheppard has averaged 15.7 points, 2.8 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 2.3 steals in 25.3 minutes per contest.
Nov 13, 2025
Efficient in win over Washington
Sheppard produced 21 points (8-11 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 0-1 FT), three rebounds, three assists, one block and two steals over 25 minutes during Wednesday's 135-112 victory over the Wizards.
ANALYSIS
The 21-point output was a season-high mark for Sheppard, who also extended his double-digit scoring run to four games while surpassing the 15-point plateau in the last three. Sheppard has yet to start a game in 2025-26, but he doesn't need to do it to remain productive due to his sizable role off the bench. Sheppard is averaging 13.7 points, 1.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game since the beginning of November.
Nov 9, 2025
Ties season high with 16 points
Sheppard ended with 16 points (6-10 FG, 4-6 3Pt), two assists, one block and four steals over 29 minutes off the bench during Sunday's 122-115 victory over the Bucks.
ANALYSIS
The 16 points tied his season high, a mark he just reached Friday against the Spurs, and Sheppard's four steals set a new personal best for 2025-26. The second-year guard is finding a groove on the second unit, scoring at least 12 points in five of the last seven games while averaging 11.9 points, 3.4 assists, 2.6 threes, 2.1 boards and 1.1 steals in 21.1 minutes a contest.
Nov 3, 2025
Lean production continues
Sheppard had five points (2-7 FG, 1-4 3Pt), five rebounds and three assists across 17 minutes during Monday's 110-102 victory over the Mavericks.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard continues to play a limited role off the bench, having played fewer than 20 minutes in three straight games. Despite a strong preseason, it appears as though the coaching staff has little faith in him when it comes to running the offense. Across the first six games of the season, he is averaging 9.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.8 steals and 2.2 three-pointers in 20.6 minutes per contest.
Oct 31, 2025
Team option picked up
The Rockets exercised their 2026-27 team option for Sheppard on Friday, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Lerner described this as a formality for the Rockets with Sheppard's option valued at $11.1 million. Through four games, Sheppard is averaging 10.0 points, 3.5 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.0 three-pointers.
Oct 28, 2025
Dishes out eight assists in win
Sheppard ended with 15 points (6-11 FG, 3-7 3Pt), eight assists, four rebounds and one steal in 24 minutes during Monday's 137-109 victory over the Nets.
ANALYSIS
After shooting just 27.3 percent from the field in Houston's first two regular-season games, Sheppard provided a spark off the bench and was one of seven Rockets players to score in double figures. The second-year guard also tied Amen Thompson for the team lead in assists. Sheppard has logged at least 20 minutes in all three of Houston's games so far. While the 21-year-old isn't guaranteed a starting role, he should continue to see ample playing time with Fred VanVleet (knee) on the shelf.
Oct 22, 2025
Logs 28 minutes off bench
Sheppard finished with nine points (3-11 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 1-2 FT), two rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal in 28 minutes during Tuesday's 125-124 double-overtime loss to the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard played 28 minutes despite coming off the bench, a positive for those who took a chance on him in fantasy drafts. It appears as though Houston will adjust its starting rotation based on the opponent, meaning Sheppard could still be afforded a starting role at times. Although his shot was a little off, Sheppard managed to cobble together a balanced performance on both ends of the floor.
Oct 20, 2025
To come off bench
Sheppard will come off the bench Tuesday against the Thunder, Kelly Iko of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Although Sheppard drew some starts at point guard in the preseason, the Rockets are opting to go with a jumbo lineup to open the season -- Amen Thompson will start at point guard with Steven Adams getting the nod at center. Sheppard posted 29 points (12-22 FG, 5-13 3Pt), six rebounds, six assists, four steals and three blocks in 29 minutes during Thursday's preseason finale which showcased his upside, and he's likely to play a key role off the bench Tuesday.
Oct 17, 2025
Explodes for 29 points
Sheppard finished with 29 points (12-22 FG, 5-13 3Pt), six rebounds, six assists, four steals and three blocks in 29 minutes during Thursday's preseason win over the Hawks.
ANALYSIS
Houston opted to rest its entire starting five, except for Sheppard, thrusting him into a much larger role. He certainly made the most of his opportunity, leading all scorers while also adding seven combined steals and blocks. With Fred VanVleet likely done for the season due to a knee injury, Sheppard is likely to step into the starting point guard role. Coming off a disappointing rookie season, Sheppard will be given the chance to shine, making him a solid top-100 fantasy target.
Oct 15, 2025
Scores 13 off bench
Sheppard produced 13 points (4-8 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block across 19 minutes of Tuesday's 130-128 preseason win over the Pelicans.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard came off the bench for this contest, as the Rockets opted to go with a bigger lineup with Steven Adams next to Alperen Sengun in the frontcourt. Houston's lineup for Opening Night is not set in stone yet, but it's certainly possible that the starters are fluid based on the matchups. Either way, Sheppard projects to have a significant role this season.
Oct 14, 2025
Bench role Tuesday
Sheppard will come off the bench during Tuesday's preseason game against the Pelicans, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard will retreat to the bench after starting in the preseason win over the Jazz on Oct. 9. He'll likely still play significant minutes in the second unit.
Oct 9, 2025
Bounces back in win
Sheppard recorded 11 points (4-7 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four rebounds, three assists, one steal and two blocks across 26 minutes of Wednesday's 140-127 preseason win over Utah.
ANALYSIS
After a quiet opener with seven points (2-6 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds and one assist in 19 minutes of Monday's 122-113 preseason win over Atlanta, Sheppard found his rhythm Wednesday. He's now started in two straight games, and he seems to be the heavy favorite to be named the fifth starter ahead of Opening Night.
Oct 7, 2025
Quiet in preseason opener
Sheppard produced seven points (2-6 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds and one assist in 19 minutes of Monday's 122-113 preseason win over Atlanta.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard started this game at point guard and had a modest workload along with the rest of the first unit. Most of the offense flowed through Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, while Kevin Durant got the night off for rest. This wasn't the best performance for Reed, obviously, but it's a good sign if he's getting the first chance to win the starting point guard job.
Oct 6, 2025
Starting in preseason opener
Sheppard (rest) is available and starting in Monday's preseason game against the Hawks, Kelly Iko of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The second-year guard will get the starting nod in Houston's preseason opener and will look to earn the starting job ahead of the regular season with Fred VanVleet (knee) on the shelf. Sheppard appeared in just 52 regular-season games (three starts) and played a limited role in his rookie season, during which he averaged 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists across 12.6 minutes per contest.
Jul 14, 2025
Shut down in Summer League
The Rockets are shutting down Sheppard for the remainder of the Summer League, Kelly Iko of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard was able to appear in two Summer League contests before Houston opted to shut him down. Following a disappointing rookie campaign, the 2024 second-rounder will now set his sights toward making an impression in training camp this fall.
Jul 13, 2025
Scores 18 in SL loss
Sheppard recorded 18 points (6-19 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 5-6 FT), four steals, three rebounds and an assist in 28 minutes during Sunday's 98-83 Summer League loss to the Pistons.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard led Houston's Summer League squad in scoring for a second straight game as he continues to see a heavy offensive workload. While he seems to be the go-to player on the offensive end for Summer League, he has struggled with efficiency, shooting just 35.5 percent from the floor through two games. A bright spot for Sheppard has been his work on the defensive end, where he has collected eight steals over the last two contests.
Jul 12, 2025
Dazzles in Las Vegas
Sheppard generated 28 points (10-25 FG, 6-15 3Pt, 2-4 FT), eight rebounds, four assists, four steals and three blocks over 33 minutes of Friday's 95-92 Summer League loss to the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard had a disappointing rookie season for a No. 3 overall pick. He played in just 52 games and averaged 12.5 minutes while logging 35/34/81 shooting splits. He could be in line for a sophomore leap, as he dominated his first Summer League game of 2025, posting game highs in points and steals while pacing the Rockets in rebounds as well. With Houston retooling their championship-contending roster by adding Kevin Durant, Sheppard will likely be relied upon as one of the top guards off the bench.
Apr 13, 2025
Bench role against Denver
Sheppard will come off the bench during Sunday's game against the Nuggets, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
After starting the last two games, Sheppard will be in the second unit Sunday. In 48 games in a reserve role for Houston, the rookie guard has averaged 3.5 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game, shooting 32.6 percent and 30.4 percent from beyond the arc.
Apr 12, 2025
Stuffs stat sheet Friday
Sheppard chipped in 14 points (5-14 FG, 4-8 3Pt), three rebounds, five assists, one block and two steals across 41 minutes during Friday's 140-109 loss to the Lakers.
ANALYSIS
The Rockets struggled to get into any kind of offensive rhythm all game long, but Sheppard was one of the few players who delivered a solid stat line from a fantasy perspective. The Rockets could very well rest their starters for the season finale against Denver on Sunday, and if that's the case, Sheppard could be in line for a big performance in a starting role once again.
Apr 10, 2025
Second career start Wednesday
Sheppard accumulated 20 points (7-14 FG, 6-10 3Pt), five rebounds, four assists and two steals in 37 minutes during Wednesday's 134-117 loss to the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard was handing just the second start of his young career, delivering another intriguing performance. With both Fred VanVleet (ankle) and Amen Thompson (rest) given the night off, Sheppard made the most of his opportunity. He has flashed enough upside this season to make us think he definitely has a future in the league. If and when he gets that opportunity remains to be seen.
Apr 9, 2025
Starting Wednesday
Sheppard is part of the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Clippers, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard will make his second career start, benefitting from the absences of Fred VanVleet (ankle) and Amen Thompson (rest). In his only other start this season, Sheppard dropped 25 points to go with five assists, two rebounds, two steals and a block across 31 minutes.
Apr 3, 2025
Nails five triples off bench
Sheppard ended Wednesday's 143-105 victory over Utah with 15 points (5-7 FG, 5-7 3Pt), three rebounds and two assists in nine minutes.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard made the most of his nine minutes of action in Tuesday's blowout win by making a season-high five three-pointers. Although the rookie guard continues to receive inconsistent playing time, his improved outside shot is an encouraging sign, considering that was one of his most highly-touted traits pre-draft.
Mar 31, 2025
Scores six points in win
Sheppard notched six points (2-3 FG, 2-3 3Pt), two rebounds, three assists and two steals across 12 minutes during Sunday's 148-109 victory over the Suns.
ANALYSIS
Making his first appearance since March 6 due to a fractured right thumb, Sheppard made the most of his limited run. Dillon Brooks was ejected after 11 minutes and the Rockets were missing Tari Eason (rest), however, so minutes will be hard to come by for Reed going forward.
Mar 30, 2025
Available Sunday
Sheppard is available for Sunday's game against the Suns, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Ime Udoka initially stated Sheppard would not be available for Sunday's contest, but it has now been made clear that the third overall pick will be active. Sheppard doesn't figure to see a sizable role in his return, considering his minimal role before injury and the amount of time he has been sidelined.
Mar 30, 2025
Won't play Sunday
Sheppard (thumb) is out for Sunday's game against the Suns, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard will remain out Sunday due to a fractured right thumb. Sheppard, who has not played since March 6, seems to be closing in on a return, initially being upgraded to questionable ahead of Sunday's contest before ultimately being ruled out. Also, head coach Ime Udoka noted that Sheppard didn't have any pain following Saturday's practice, but he still needs to pass more tests before returning to action. His next opportunity to suit up comes Monday against the Lakers, but even if he is available, he doesn't figure to see a sizable role.
Mar 29, 2025
Questionable to play Sunday
Sheppard (thumb) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Suns.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard is in the final stages of the recovery process from a fractured right thumb, and the questionable tag suggests he might have an outside shot at returning to action before the initial timeline of four weeks. The rookie isn't expected to have a big role in the rotation once he's deemed ready to return, though, so he shouldn't carry a lot of fantasy appeal in the near future.
Mar 7, 2025
Ruled out for Saturday
Sheppard is out for Saturday's game against the Pelicans due to a right thumb injury.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard has been diagnosed with an avulsion on his right thumb, and while it should be a long-term issue, it's severe enough to sideline the rookie for, at least, one game. Sheppard's next chance to play will come against the Magic on Monday, although it's worth noting that his absence won't affect many fantasy decisions.
Mar 4, 2025
Returning to bench
Sheppard isn't in the starting five for Tuesday's game versus the Pacers.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard was inserted into the starting lineup Monday with Amen Thompson (shoulder) and Fred Van Vleet (ankle) both out. However, Thompson's return to the lineup Tuesday will send the rookie guard back to the bench. Sheppard is averaging 4.0 points and 1.7 rebounds in 11.8 minutes across his previous 10 appearances coming off the bench.
Mar 4, 2025
Logs career-high 25 points
Sheppard accumulated 25 points (10-17 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block in 31 minutes during Monday's 137-128 loss to the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard recorded a career-high 25 points in just his third time playing 20-plus minutes this season. The No. 3 overall pick of the 2024 Draft received his first career start due to Fred VanVleet (ankle) and three more of the club's usual starters being sidelined. Sheppard's level of play Monday bodes well for his chances of cracking the rotation when the club is fully healthy, though he'll still have to compete for playing time on a stacked roster.
Mar 3, 2025
Running with starters Monday
Sheppard will start in Monday's game against the Thunder, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard will receive the starting nod for the first time in his career due to Fred VanVleet (ankle) being sidelined. Houston will be without four of its usual starters Monday, meaning the club's second unit will have to step up. Over his last 10 outings, Sheppard has averaged 4.0 points across 11.8 minutes per game.
Feb 14, 2025
Muted impact in loss
Sheppard chipped in no counting stats over five minutes during Thursday's 105-98 loss to the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard has played in Houston's last eight contests but has scored double-digit points just once over that span. Across those eight appearances, Sheppard averaged 4.4 points and 2.0 rebounds in 13.0 minutes.
Feb 5, 2025
Standout performance in loss
Sheppard supplied 16 points (5-14 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 3-3 FT), seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals over 28 minutes during Tuesday's 99-97 loss to the Nets.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard produced easily the best performance of his young career, putting up career-high numbers across the board. With the Rockets down on troops, Sheppard outplayed Aaron Holiday, flashing the upside many thought he had coming into the season. While this was an encouraging performance, Tari Eason could return for the next game after sitting out Tuesday on the second night of a back-to-back. When the Rockets are healthy, Sheppard is unlikely to be anything more than a depth piece.
Feb 1, 2025
Plays 16 minutes Saturday
Sheppard registered six points (2-6 FG, 2-5 3Pt), two rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block over 16 minutes during Saturday's 110-98 loss to Brooklyn.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard had been a healthy DNP over the Rockets' prior six games, but his appearance Saturday was needed after Fred VanVleet suffered a right ankle injury in the second quarter. Sheppard was able to connect on two three-pointers (which was his most in an NBA regular-season game since Nov. 23), but he did struggle to hold his own at the defensive end at times. Sheppard could see some meaningful minutes off the bench if VanVleet's injury were to cause him to be sidelined for an extended period of time.
Jan 12, 2025
Recalled from G League on Sunday
The Rockets recalled Sheppard from the G League's Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Sunday, Ben DuBose of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard joined the Vipers for a three-game stint after losing his spot in the Rockets' rotation, during which he averaged 30.7 points, 7.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 steals in 35.5 minutes per contest. The No. 3 overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft isn't guaranteed a larger role upon his return, and over his last five outings with the parent club, Sheppard has averaged 1.4 points and 2.0 rebounds across 10.4 minutes per game.
Jan 7, 2025
Erupts for 49 points in G League
Sheppard tallied 49 points (17-33 FG, 8-19 3Pt, 4-4 FT), six assists, five rebounds, three steals and one block across 37 minutes in Tuesday's 130-125 G League loss to the Oklahoma City Blue.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard received the green light in his first G League outing Tuesday, and he was electric while stuffing the stat sheet on both ends of the floor. The 20-year-old has yet to appear in an NBA game during January, though he had averaged 2.7 points and 1.6 rebounds across 11.1 minutes per contest in 10 outings in December. Despite being a member of the Rockets' 15-man roster, the No. 3 overall pick of the 2024 Draft will likely struggle to carve out a significant role in the club's crowded backcourt.
Jan 6, 2025
Assigned to G League
Houston assigned Sheppard to the G League's Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Monday, Adam Spolane of Sports Radio 610 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
Over Houston's last four games, Sheppard saw the floor just once in garbage time against Boston. With the Vipers, Sheppard will get some live reps and is likely to be the featured player which could only be a plus for his development.
Nov 26, 2024
Limited off bench again
Sheppard recorded zero points (0-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt), one rebound and one assist over nine minutes during Tuesday's 117-111 overtime victory over the Timberwolves.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard continues to play limited minutes off the bench, logging just nine minutes Tuesday. It's been an underwhelming start to his NBA career, exceeding 15 minutes only seven times thus far. Despite the upside, Sheppard is currently buried behind the likes of Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green and Amen Thompson. While we could see a few more minutes come his way at some point, it appears as though Sheppard's time will not be this season.
Nov 17, 2024
Season best outing off bench
Sheppard closed with 12 points (4-7 FG, 4-5 3Pt), two rebounds, one assist and three blocks in 19 minutes during Sunday's 143-107 win over the Bulls.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard put together his best outing of the season in extended time on the court due to the blowout nature of Sunday's game, leading all Houston players in threes made while concluding as one of seven Rockets with a double-digit point total. Sheppard set a new season high in scoring and threes made, posting his first game in double figures and his fifth outing with at least five points.
Nov 6, 2024
Season-high seven points Monday
Sheppard ended with seven points (3-8 FG, 1-4 3Pt) and two rebounds in 14 minutes during Monday's 109-97 win over the Knicks.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard saw double-digit minutes for the first time since Oct. 25 against Memphis. The third overall pick of the 2024 Draft has averaged only 3.1 points and 1.1 assists while shooting 39.1 percent from the field across 9.3 minutes per game over seven regular-season outings. Sheppard will likely continue to compete for a slight uptick in playing time with Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore in the frontcourt.
Oct 29, 2024
Barely touched floor in win
Sheppard ended with one assist in three minutes during Monday's 106-101 victory over the Spurs.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard played a season-low three minutes, continuing his disappointing start to the campaign. Despite the upside, Sheppard is simply too buried on the depth chart to have any chance at putting up viable fantasy value. Unless we see a shift in how the Rockets are running their rotations, Sheppard is best left on waivers in all competitive leagues.
Oct 24, 2024
Quiet in debut Wednesday
Sheppard totaled four points (2-5 FG, 0-1 3Pt), two rebounds, three assists and one block over 16 minutes during Wednesday's 110-105 loss to the Hornets.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard played just 16 minutes in his debut, ending with a modest line. Despite being arguably the most talented player in the 2024 draft class, Sheppard finds himself battling a number of other up-and-coming players for playing time. At best, he should be viewed as a backend fantasy asset. Should the Rockets encounter injuries at any point, his value could increase, as could be the case later in the season if they fall out of playoff contention.
Oct 10, 2024
Makes impact off bench
Sheppard delivered 11 points (5-7 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 0-1 FT), four rebounds, two assists and a steal across 23 minutes off the bench in Wednesday's 122-113 preseason win over the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard was one of four Houston players who scored in double digits in this game, and he continues to prove he's more than ready to leave his mark in the NBA as a rookie, particularly from a scoring perspective. Sheppard was the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and while he figures to play a huge role in the organization's long-term picture, he's expected to open the 2024-25 campaign as a bench option since Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green will operate as the starting backcourt.
Jul 21, 2024
Sitting out SL finale
Sheppard will not play in Sunday's Summer League finale against the Trail Blazers, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard will be shut down for the Rockets' final game at Summer League as the team is out of contention. The third-overall pick will now shift his focus to getting ready for the upcoming season, where he'll have an uphill battle for significant playing time.
Jul 15, 2024
Scores 15 despite woes
Sheppard finished with 15 points (6-17 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-3 FT), four rebounds, two assists and three steals in 36 minutes during Monday's 87-73 Summer League loss to the Pistons.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard took a step back Monday after posting a strong final line Sunday, as he converted on 35.3 percent of his tries from the field and committed four turnovers in an ugly loss. This is part of the learning process for the young guard, who will almost certainly have plenty of ups and downs once the regular season begins.
Jul 14, 2024
Impresses in SL Sunday
Sheppard went for 22 points (9-15 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 3-4 FT), seven assists, six rebounds, five steals and a block across 32 minutes during Sunday's 109-91 victory over the Wizards at Summer League.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard stuffed the stat sheet Sunday, recording a game-high seven assists and tying a game-high five steals. The third overall pick was also effective creating in the midrange, finding shots for himself and teammates. Sheppard has been impressive to kick off Summer League, averaging 22.5 points, 6.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.0 blocks in 31.0 minutes per game across two appearances.
Jul 13, 2024
Team-high 23 points in win Friday
Sheppard produced 23 points (9-17 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five assists, four rebounds, three blocks and one steal across 30 minutes in Friday's 99-80 win over the Lakers in the NBA 2K25 Summer League.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard opened his Summer League play with an extremely productive outing, stuffing the stat sheet and hitting a team-high four three-pointers. The No. 3 overall pick was a lights-out shooter in one season with Kentucky, during which he averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals while shooting 52.1 percent from deep. The 20-year-old also impressed on defense Friday, but his 6-foot-2 frame could limit what he can do on that side of the ball against NBA competition.
Jun 26, 2024
Goes No. 3 to Houston
Sheppard was selected with the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
Sheppard should add a jolt of elite perimeter shooting to the Rockets while sharing reserve playmaking responsibilities with Amen Thompson. It's easy to envision Sheppard running two-man action with Alperen Sengun, or Sengun finding Sheppard for open looks coming off a variety of off-ball screens. The guard out of Kentucky is also a smart and active defender, though his 6-foot-2 frame will limit his upside on that side of the ball.