The most recent Locked On episode from the last 30 days that directly mentions Jabari Smith.
Locked OnLocked On Fantasy Basketball
Oct 2, 2026Houston Rockets Fantasy Basketball Preview [26/27 NBA Season]
JLFB BOWL https://joshlloydfantasy.com/bowl/ OVERVIEW The main fantasy basketball issues around the Houston Rockets this year center on Ime Udoka’s rotation stubbornness, the fantasy effects of newly crowded guard and forward spots, and whether to trust ADP versus production for players like Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun. I break down role expectations, categorical differences, and pricing disconnects across platforms for key Rockets and share where I think the best value sits. KEY TAKEAWAYS Ime Udoka’s rigid tendencies and defensive grudge-holding make projecting Rockets minutes and roles tricky, especially for players with perceived defensive weaknesses like Alperen Sengun and Reed Sheppard. Kevin Durant’s fantasy value is elite in category formats but much less impressive in points leagues, highlighting the need to match league scoring to draft position—he’s great value in category at his depressed ADP. Amen Thompson should see some assists drop given less time at point guard, but I’m banking on improved field goal percentage and a block rate bounce-back to offset the loss—he’s fine at the back end of the second in categories, but adjust down if you don’t believe those improvements are coming. Alperen Sengun’s passing spike was partly due to Fred VanVleet’s absence last year; expect his assists and minutes to dip with VanVleet back and more guard depth, so price him like a solid 24–30 range category pick rather than true breakout material. Fred VanVleet, coming off a torn ACL, likely opens the year with minutes limits and rest for back-to-backs, with less upside than prior seasons for assists and overall stats. Don’t chase him anywhere near ESPN’s rank of 74. Reed Sheppard has big upside, but with two new point guards and Udoka unlikely to forgive his defensive issues, Sheppard is only worth a round 10 flyer for his steals and blocks—never reach for him anywhere close to ESPN’s 58 rank. Jabari Smith Jr. remains a low-upside, back-end pick; his role and production are stable but lack breakout signals—don’t project leaps in blocks, steals, or usage given current team construction. Tari Eason is only draftable as a stash or late upside swing, as his path to 30+ minutes depends heavily on injuries ahead of him; he’s best used in leagues with deeper benches, daily churn, or weekly locks. RESOURCES https://joshlloydfantasy.com/bowl — Josh Lloyd Fantasy Basketball Bowl (for league sign-ups and info) https://joshlloydfantasy.com/shop — Show merchandise NEXT STEP Check your league setup and platform, then use the category/points differences and role expectations to target (or avoid) specific Rockets—especially when ADP is out of sync with your league’s format. CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 0:49 Houston Rockets overview and Ime Udoka’s impact 5:23 Projected starting five and Kevin Durant’s valuation 7:43 Amen Thompson’s changing role and projections 12:08 Alperen Sengun role and category impact 15:30 Jabari Smith Jr. and Fred VanVleet outlook 21:05 Projected bench rotation, Marcus Smart, Tari Eason, Steven Adams, Reed Sheppard 27:55 End-of-bench depth, late-round targets, and fades 30:37 Injuries: VanVleet, Adams, Durant 32:19 Playoff schedule and back-to-backs context 34:03 Listener mailbag: percentages, games cap, and category volatility Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast . Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA . Aura Cybersecurity Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware . Protect yourself now. 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