BREAKOUT: Rockets Reed Sheppard FORCING His Way Into Starting Lineup | Amen Thompson REGRESSION?

Houston Rockets "sophomore" Reed Sheppard is forcing his way into the starting lineup conversation with electrifying offense and improved defense, but can he sustain this level against elite NBA starters? Amen Thompson’s expanded on-ball role may be fueling the Rockets’ defensive regression—can he recapture his lockdown form and become the defensive quarterback this team sorely misses after losing Dillon Brooks?

Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost and NBA Draft enthusiast Madison Moore (@MadManLeaks) break down Reed Sheppard's shooting surge, growing confidence, and the impact of his bench spark, while analyzing the trade-offs between Sheppard and Josh Okogie as starters. Key topics include Amen Thompson’s adjustment to increased responsibilities, challenges balancing offensive initiation with defensive intensity, and the larger question of who steps up as the toughness and vocal leader for Houston’s defense. Don’t miss this sharp analysis of how the Rockets’ young core is shaping the team’s playoff ambitions.

#Rockets #NBA #ReedSheppard #AmenThompson

📺 Subscribe On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LockedOnRockets

📲 Twitter: https://twitter.com/JTGatlin & https://twitter.com/LockedOnRockets

📲 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jtgatlin.bsky.social

🎧 Follow/Subscribe/Listen:

Locked On Rockets Anywhere: https://linktr.ee/LockedOnRockets

Locked On NBA Anywhere: https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA

For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

DoorDash – Next time someone goes off for 50, use promo code NBA50 the next day to get 50% off on DoorDash with DashPass — plus your shot at the Bag Drop.

DashPass members only. 50% off up to $10 the day after a 50-point game with promo code. Terms apply.

No Purchase Necessary. Ends April 13th. Open to U.S. residents 21 or older. Visit https://DoorDashInYourBag.com for full details. DoorDash — In your bag all season long.

Quo – See why over 90,000 businesses trust Quo, formerly OpenPhone. Get started free and get 20% off your first 6 months at https://www.Quo.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

Rippling – Get Rippling FREE for 6 months. Terms and conditions apply. See site for details: https://app.rippling.com/legal/promoterms

PrizePicks – Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup. Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

SKIMS – Shop SKIMS Men’s now at https://SKIMS.com.

When you place your order, choose “podcast” in the post-purchase survey and select our show from the dropdown to let them know we sent you. 

The SKIMS Holiday Shop is open — so if you’re looking for the perfect gift this season, SKIMS has you covered. 

Rugiet – Visit https://rugiet.com/lockedonnba to get 15% off your first order. 

And don’t forget to use our code LOCKEDONNBA so they know we sent you. 

Rugiet — stop making excuses and start making moves.

Robinhood – You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move.

All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor.

Gametime – Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel – Right now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. Download the FanDuel app now by visiting https://FanDuel.com to get started

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

#HoustonRockets #Rockets #NBA #KevinDurant #AlperenSengun #AmenThompson #JabariSmithJr #TariEason #ReedSheppard #FredVanVleet #DorianFinneySmith #StevenAdams #AaronHoliday #JaeSeanTate #JeffGreen #ClintCapela #JoshOkogie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.