Heading into the season, Kevin Durant ranks among the game’s best players. Meanwhile, some are labeling the Houston Rockets as an ‘underdog’ team even with a solid core. A core that includes Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason.
But to hear Durant say it, the ‘underdog’ label isn’t based in reality, per Ben DuBose of The Rockets Wire.
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“Other teams aren’t talking about us like that.”
“The fans might think of us as a different team after Week 1, so I can’t focus on that. I’m just focused on our identity.”
Last season, the Rockets finished at 52-30 and were eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1st round of the playoffs. Durant averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 52% from the field. Last year, Durant signed a $90 million contract extension.
In the offseason, the Rockets added Marcus Smart, Bogdan Bogdanović, and rookie Bruce Thornton. Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet is returning from an ACL injury sustained in September 2025 that forced him to miss the entire season. Additionally, Steven Adams adds more depth to the frontcourt.
Their 1st round elimination leaves some to question whether the Rockets still have what it takes to be a viable franchise that can go far. Houston finished the preseason at 2-1.
The Rockets will begin the season against the Dallas Mavericks on October 21. According to Oddsmakers, Houston are 8.5 favorites over the Mavericks. Others are expecting them to win at least 52 games this year and once again contend for the playoffs.
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