Reed

Sheppard

After over three weeks on the sidelines with an avulsion fracture in his right thumb, Sheppard was cleared to return on Sunday. Houston winning by 39 points ensured there would be minutes available to the rookie, who finished one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Sheppard will not help fantasy managers this season, but the opportunities he does receive the rest of the season will be of interest to those preparing for the 2025-26 campaign.

Initially declared out for Sunday’s game, Sheppard will be available after missing a little under one month with an avulsion fracture in his right thumb. While the rookie being available is excellent news for the Rockets, Sheppard is unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball.

Sheppard is working his way back from an avulsion fracture in his right thumb, having recently played some 5-on-5. If the rookie is made available for Sunday’s game, he’s unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball. Rockets coach Ime Udoka said Sheppard might be sent to the team’s G League affiliate for additional reps during his pregame availability.

Sheppard has enjoyed some great moments as a rookie, but he’s largely been out of Houston’s rotation even while Fred VanVleet (ankle) continues to miss time. His extended absence won’t be majorly impactful in the world of fantasy hoops.

Sheppard is dealing with a right thumb avulsion injury and will not be available for Saturday’s game. Even with Fred VanVleet (ankle) also out, the rookie guard’s exclusion will not impact fantasy basketball.

Sheppard was tabbed to make his first start on Monday with the Rockets down four starters. The matchup wasn’t easy, but the rookie had a good night in Oklahoma City. Not only were the 25 points a season-high, but this was also Sheppard’s first 20-point game. Add in the complete stat line, and this was a profitable night for the few who willingly streamed Sheppard. The Rockets visit the Pacers on Tuesday, and some absent starters should be back on the court. If so, there won’t be much need to hold onto Sheppard.

The Rockets are without Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Tari Eason for Monday’s game. Sheppard, Whitmore, Smith and Landale move into the starting lineup, with Smith having a chance to stick once Brooks, Sengun, Thompson and Eason return. (VanVleet may miss multiple games with his ankle injury.) All four fill-ins are worth streaming on Monday due to the Rockets’ lack of healthy options.

Sheppard posted career highs in a number of categories Tuesday, including points, rebounds and minutes. After not appearing in an NBA game in two weeks, Sheppard has logged three straight appearances off the bench. He’s made the most of his increased opportunities with Fred VanVleet on the sidelines, and the rookie came through in a big way against Brooklyn. Sheppard was on the court late in the fourth quarter in a back-and-forth contest, highlighting the coaching staff’s faith in him. VanVleet is still week-to-week, and perhaps Sheppard has earned more playing time following this tremendous showing. He’s worth a look in deep leagues as a dart-throw add.

If Green is unable to take the court Tuesday, Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson could pick up the slack in his absence. Fred VanVleet will be available and should handle his typical workload after avoiding a suspension for his behavior toward officials in Saturday’s matchup with Portland.

Thompson hasn’t missed a game yet this season, but if he were to be forced to sit out on Sunday, there would plenty of bench minutes to go to Tari Eason, Reed Sheppard and Aaron Holiday. Sheppard has struggled to start his rookie year, but this could be a good opportunity for him to take advantage of some extra playing time.