Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Out four weeks with fractured thumb
Rotowire
Head coach Ime Udoka told reporters Saturday that Sheppard fractured his right thumb and will be out for at least four weeks, Ben DuBose of USA Today reports.
The rookie first-round pick was already ruled out for Saturday's game against the Pelicans. However, further tests have revealed that Sheppard is dealing with a much more serious injury that will keep him out of action until at least early April. Sheppard's absence gives Cam Whitmore, Jae'Sean Tate and Aaron Holiday the opportunity to earn more minutes and a bigger role off the Rockets' bench over the next month.
... See More... See Less
Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Ruled out for Saturday
Rotowire
Sheppard is out for Saturday's game against the Pelicans due to a right thumb injury.
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.
... See More... See Less
Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Returning to bench
Rotowire
Sheppard isn't in the starting five for Tuesday's game versus the Pacers.
Sheppard was inserted into the starting lineup Monday with Amen Thompson (shoulder) and Fred VanVleet (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.
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.
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 Monday, as Fred VanVleet (ankle) and three more of the club's usual starters were 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.
... See More... See Less
Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Running with starters Monday
Rotowire
Sheppard will start in Monday's game against the Thunder, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports.
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.
... See More... See Less
Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Muted impact in loss
Rotowire
Sheppard chipped in no counting stats over five minutes during Thursday's 105-98 loss to the Warriors.
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.
Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Standout performance in loss
Rotowire
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.
With Fred VanVleet (ankle) out again, 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.
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.
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.
The Rockets recalled Sheppard from the G League's Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Sunday, Ben DuBose of USA Today reports.
Sheppard joined the Vipers for a three-game stint after losing his spot in the Rockets rotation. He was a standout performer in his first taste of G League action, averaging 30.7 points, 7.3 assists, 5.0 three-pointers, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 steals in 35.5 minutes per contest. Despite the stellar showing in the G League, the rookie No. 3 overall pick is uncertain to take back a spot in the Houston rotation in Monday's game against the Grizzlies.
Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Erupts for 49 points in G League
Rotowire
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.
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.
![[object Object] Logo](https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/2020/04/22/e9ceb731-8b3f-4c60-98fe-090ab66a2997/screen-shot-2020-04-22-at-11-04-56-am.png)
