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.
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.
Sheppard supplied zero points (0-1 FG, 0-1 3Pt) in one minute during Friday's 115-107 victory over the Warriors in Game 6 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Sheppard is one of many notable players on Ime Udoka's squad who have rarely played in this first-round series. The rookie guard has played in only three games, averaging 3.3 minutes per contest. It's unlikely he'll see significant minutes in Game 7.
Sheppard will come off the bench during Sunday's game against the Nuggets, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.
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.
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Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Stuffs stat sheet Friday
Rotowire
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.
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.
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Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Second career start Wednesday
Rotowire
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.
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.
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Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Starting Wednesday
Rotowire
Sheppard is part of the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Clippers, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.
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.
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Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Nails five triples off bench
Rotowire
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.
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.
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Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Scores six points in win
Rotowire
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.
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), so minutes will be hard to come by for Reed going forward.
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Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Available Sunday
Rotowire
Sheppard is available for Sunday's game against the Suns, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Head coach Ime Udoka initially stated Sheppard would not be available for Sunday's contest, but it has now been comfirmed 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.
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Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Won't play Sunday
Rotowire
Sheppard (thumb) is out for Sunday's game against the Suns, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.
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.
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Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Questionable to play Sunday
Rotowire
Sheppard (thumb) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Suns.
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.
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