“That’s why coaches get paid the big bucks; they got to make those tough decisions,” Durant said. “It’s always good having a versatile team, but knowing once you throw these different lineups out there, it’s the toughest job as a coach. So we’ll be patient and keep growing and keep figuring things out. But defensively, we’re pretty solid.”  

Houston is also trying to come up with a point guard solution after losing Fred VanVleet for the season to a torn ACL. The team is counting on Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard to take his place, but Thompson is new to the position and Sheppard is adjusting to regular playing time after being used sparingly last season.

“The adjustment is really just being able to put people in the right spot, communicate with my teammates, and be kind of like a second coach out there to Ime, but I’m learning,” Thompson said. “I’m trying to figure it out, and I know it’s just gonna be better.”

There’s more from the Southwest Division:

  • Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox took part in a 5-on-5 scrimmage after Friday’s shootaround and there’s optimism that he might make his season debut by the end of October, according to Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News (subscription required). Fox has been dealing with a hamstring injury since training camp began, but said he feels “close” to returning. Jeremy Sochan and Kelly Olynyk also participated in the scrimmage and are expected back soon. “I see them do some things on the court, and I think they definitely can play,” coach Mitch Johnson said. “It’s October, so we’re probably going to be a little later than early. But they look great. I hope it will be sooner rather than later.”
  • A size mismatch contributed to the Grizzlies‘ 32-point loss to Miami on Friday, notes Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal (subscription required). With Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke both recovering from surgery, Memphis didn’t have enough big men to contend with Kel’el Ware and Bam Adebayo.
  • The Mavericks had hoped Daniel Gafford could return from his right ankle sprain on Friday, but now he’s been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday’s game, relays Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News (Twitter link). Brandon Williams will miss the game for personal reasons, Curtis adds (Twitter link).