Is Reed Sheppard playing tonight? Exploring Rockets point guard's availability vs Spurs | 2024 NBA preseason (Oct.17)

The preseason is in full swing for Ime Udoka's Houston Rockets, and one of the players already standing out is rookie Reed Sheppard. Just shy of turning 20 three months ago, Sheppard is already lighting up the preseason.

He is expected to suit up and play for nearly 20 minutes on Thursday night when the Rockets take on the San Antonio Spurs in their final game in the 2024-25 preseason.

Sheppard is arguably one of the most promising rookie prospects in the NBA and has shown great potential for the Rockets franchise. The guard from Kentucky has had a consistent and smooth start to the preseason campaign. He has played in all three of the Rockets' preseason games so far, playing an average of 20 minutes per contest and showcasing why he was drafted to support veterans like Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet.

In the Rockets' preseason opener against the Utah Jazz, Reed Sheppard played 20 minutes and contributed four points, three assists and three rebounds. Although the Rockets lost the game 113-112, Sheppard's performance was promising.

He showed improvement in the next game against the OKC Thunder, scoring 11 points in 24 minutes with two assists and four rebounds. He continued his strong play in the following game at home against the New Orleans Pelicans, tallying nine points, three assists, and two rebounds in 22 minutes.

In that game, he showcased his versatility with a mid-range jumper, a 3-pointer and a steal that led to a powerful dunk.

The Rockets have amassed a 2-1 record in the preseason. Sheppard is likely looking to finish the preseason on a high note and boost his confidence ahead of next week’s regular season.

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Reed Sheppard earns a comparison to Steph Curry

The Rockets rookie’s stunning preseason performances may not yet match the caliber of four-time NBA champion Steph Curry. However, Yahoo Sports' Tom Haberstroh praised the rookie by drawing tongue-in-cheek comparisons with one of the greats of the game.

Speaking on the Kevin O'Connor Show, Haberstroh said:

"I think by the end of the year, people will start coming on to our little bandwagon here with Reed Sheppard. He's not Steph Curry, but I think he's the closest thing to Steph Curry that we've seen in a long time."

Both players share a similar stature and playing style, which could explain why Haberstroh sees similarities between them.

Despite Reed Sheppard's confidence and talent, matching Curry’s impact will be a daunting challenge, but only time will tell how his career unfolds.