The Rockets are shutting down Sheppard for the remainder of the Summer League, Kelly Iko of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Sheppard was able to appear in two Summer League contests before Houston opted to shut him down. Following a disappointing rookie campaign, the 2024 second-rounder will now set his sights toward making an impression in training camp this fall.

Sheppard recorded 18 points (6-19 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 5-6 FT), four steals, three rebounds and an assist in 28 minutes during Sunday's 98-83 Summer League loss to the Pistons.

EDGE Analysis

Sheppard led Houston's Summer League squad in scoring for a second straight game as he continues to see a heavy offensive workload. While he seems to be the go-to player on the offensive end for Summer League, he has struggled with efficiency, shooting just 35.5 percent from the floor through two games. A bright spot for Sheppard has been his work on the defensive end, where he has collected eight steals over the last two contests.

Sheppard generated 28 points (10-25 FG, 6-15 3Pt, 2-4 FT), eight rebounds, four assists, four steals and three blocks over 33 minutes of Friday's 95-92 Summer League loss to the Clippers.

EDGE Analysis

Sheppard had a disappointing rookie season for a No. 3 overall pick. He played in just 52 games and averaged 12.5 minutes while logging 35/34/81 shooting splits. He could be in line for a sophomore leap, as he dominated his first Summer League game of 2025, posting game highs in points and steals while pacing the Rockets in rebounds as well. With Houston retooling their championship-contending roster by adding Kevin Durant, Sheppard will likely be relied upon as one of the top guards off the bench.

Sheppard supplied zero points (0-1 FG, 0-1 3Pt) in one minute during Friday's 115-107 victory over the Warriors in Game 6 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

EDGE Analysis

Sheppard is one of many notable players on Ime Udoka's squad who have rarely played in this first-round series. The rookie guard has played in only three games, averaging 3.3 minutes per contest. It's unlikely he'll see significant minutes in Game 7.

Sheppard will come off the bench during Sunday's game against the Nuggets, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

After starting the last two games, Sheppard will be in the second unit Sunday. In 48 games in a reserve role for Houston, the rookie guard has averaged 3.5 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game, shooting 32.6 percent and 30.4 percent from beyond the arc.

Sheppard chipped in 14 points (5-14 FG, 4-8 3Pt), three rebounds, five assists, one block and two steals across 41 minutes during Friday's 140-109 loss to the Lakers.

EDGE Analysis

The Rockets struggled to get into any kind of offensive rhythm all game long, but Sheppard was one of the few players who delivered a solid stat line from a fantasy perspective. The Rockets could very well rest their starters for the season finale against Denver on Sunday, and if that's the case, Sheppard could be in line for a big performance in a starting role once again.

Sheppard accumulated 20 points (7-14 FG, 6-10 3Pt), five rebounds, four assists and two steals in 37 minutes during Wednesday's 134-117 loss to the Clippers.

EDGE Analysis

Sheppard was handing just the second start of his young career, delivering another intriguing performance. With both Fred VanVleet (ankle) and Amen Thompson (rest) given the night off, Sheppard made the most of his opportunity. He has flashed enough upside this season to make us think he definitely has a future in the league. If and when he gets that opportunity remains to be seen.

Sheppard is part of the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Clippers, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Sheppard will make his second career start, benefitting from the absences of Fred VanVleet (ankle) and Amen Thompson (rest). In his only other start this season, Sheppard dropped 25 points to go with five assists, two rebounds, two steals and a block across 31 minutes.

Sheppard ended Wednesday's 143-105 victory over Utah with 15 points (5-7 FG, 5-7 3Pt), three rebounds and two assists in nine minutes.

EDGE Analysis

Sheppard made the most of his nine minutes of action in Tuesday's blowout win by making a season-high five three-pointers. Although the rookie guard continues to receive inconsistent playing time, his improved outside shot is an encouraging sign, considering that was one of his most highly-touted traits pre-draft.

Sheppard notched six points (2-3 FG, 2-3 3Pt), two rebounds, three assists and two steals across 12 minutes during Sunday's 148-109 victory over the Suns.

EDGE Analysis

Making his first appearance since March 6 due to a fractured right thumb, Sheppard made the most of his limited run. Dillon Brooks was ejected after 11 minutes, and the Rockets were missing Tari Eason (rest), so minutes will be hard to come by for Reed going forward.