The Big Five are here! The Rockets have announced their opening night starters: total height of 10.45 meters ranks second in history.

On October 21, Beijing time, Rockets sideline reporter Vanessa Richardson stated that for the 2025-26 NBA season opener versus the Thunder, the Rockets will deploy a starting lineup considered among the tallest and longest wingspan in NBA history.

Since VanVleet is injured and not in the starting point guard lineup for the new season, Rockets coach Udoka opted to emphasize the team's big players. To counter the Thunder’s height advantage, the confirmed starting five includes Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Şengün, and Steven Adams.

Height and wingspan advantage of the lineup

In this lineup, Thompson, at 2.01 meters, is the shortest player; the other four all stand at 2.11 meters. Their combined height reaches 10.45 meters. Besides their imposing height, each player has a wingspan of at least 2.13 meters, with Durant and Adams both boasting wingspans of 2.26 meters.

“This lineup allows us to fully leverage our height and physical presence,” Durant said. “Obviously, when facing teams that excel at spacing and play small-ball lineups, we have some weaknesses, but I believe the strengths of this lineup outweigh those drawbacks. It can protect the paint, secure offensive rebounds, push the fast break, and score easily. Having a versatile team capable of deploying a big five is always key.”

Jabari Smith Jr. is excited at the prospect of playing a big five lineup. He believes the lineup’s success partly stems from his and Durant’s shooting ability, along with Amen’s driving skills.

“The league previously favored small-ball lineups, but now there is a gradual return to twin-tower lineups—in teams where it fits, such lineups can generate more offensive possessions through rebounds and bring a fresh tactical dimension,” Smith said. “Every team is different, but if the personnel allows it, why not give it a try?”

For reference, according to Basketball Network data, the tallest recorded starting lineup in NBA history was the 1999 Dallas Mavericks lineup—Hubert Davis, Michael Finley, Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Anstey, and Shawn Bradley—with a combined height of about 10.49 meters. These five only appeared together in the final game of the 1998-99 season, which was shortened to 50 games due to a lockout.

League trends and the Rockets’ strategy

In recent seasons, many NBA teams have adapted to the changing times by including a second center in their primary rotation lineups.

The Rockets used a similar big lineup against small-ball teams like the Golden State Warriors late in the 2024-25 season and playoffs, achieving good results.

The Thunder recently won a championship by deploying frontcourt lineups featuring both Holmgren and Hartenstein simultaneously.

The small-ball era has officially ended, with many teams now emphasizing rebounding and playing multiple big men at once to trouble opponents.

Although many doubt the Rockets’ outside shooting with this lineup, Udoka has clearly stated his focus is on attacking offensive rebounds. The Rockets led the league in offensive rebounds in the 2024-25 season, and they will continue this approach in the season opener against the Thunder.

In the season opener, the Thunder will receive their championship rings at home, while the Rockets will begin their 2025-26 campaign as the “spoilers.”