Is Reed Sheppard playing tonight against Detroit Pistons? Latest on Rockets point guard's status for Summer League game (July 15)
After just two games in the Summer League, Reed Sheppard is exceeding the expectations placed on him when he was drafted. Sheppard has been a machine on the offensive front for the Houston Rockets. The 6-foot-3 guard will suit up again on Monday against the Detroit Pistons.
After missing out on the play-in last season, the Rockets added firepower to their roster. The organization selected Sheppard with the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft. The sharpshooter out of the University of Kentucky has been exceptional in his first two starts and will likely see more minutes in the team's upcoming games versus the Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Reed Sheppard made his Summer League debut on July 12 in a highly anticipated matchup versus the LA Lakers, where he went head-to-head with Bronny James. The Rockets guard was the game's standout performer, finishing the night with 23 points, four rebounds, and five assists. He shot 9-17 from the field and recorded four three-pointers in Houston's 99-80 win over Los Angeles.
The 20-year-old proved that his stellar debut performance was no fluke when he followed it up with 22 points, seven assists, six rebounds and a game-high five steals against the Washington Wizards on Sunday. Led by strong performances by Sheppard and Cam Whitmore, the Rockets cruised to a 109-91 victory.
The Houston Rockets are set to face the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas and Mack Center on Monday. The game will tip off at 6:30 p.m. ET and will be televised on NBA TV.
Reed Sheppard receives high praise from teammate Cam Whitmore
Reed Sheppard has developed great chemistry with forward Cam Whitmore. The second-year player out of Villanova also had a strong game on Sunday, finishing with 25 points and 8 rebounds.
Whitmore was full of praise for his new teammate during his post-game interview.
"The fit is perfect...He has a bright future," said Whitmore. "He's going to be a great basketball player, great career."
It has been a difficult five-year stretch for the Houston Rockets. The team has not qualified for the playoffs since 2020. Sheppard and Whitmore have clicked on the court and will be valuable pieces for the organization as they look to bounce back next season.