HOUSTON — With some players, it’s easy to break down their impact on the game by using numbers or pulling up highlights.

Tari Eason doesn’t fall into that category.

Even his teammates point out how random his movements are on the court or how unpredictable his game can be.

“You really can’t explain what he’s doing out there,” said Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. “You just see it.”

The unpredictability in Eason’s game can drive his coaches crazy, but there’s no denying how much his impact is felt when he’s on the floor. And since he’s been added to the Rockets’ starting lineup, he’s become the glue that’s helped make this unorthodox Houston roster hit its stride once again after a rough patch in recent weeks.

On Monday night, Eason finished with 13 points and eight rebounds as the Rockets cruised to a 126-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers. It was Houston’s third straight win, all three since head coach Ime Udoka made the move to include Eason with the starters in the Rockets’ Christmas Day victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

After that win, Eason made it abundantly clear how much he wants to be a part of the starting group.

“Yes, yes I do,” Eason said when asked if he wants to be a starter. “It’s just setting the tone. Being able to go out and set the tone, having a feel for the game early on.”

Eason’s desire for the prestige that comes with being a starter is understandable for a young, up-and-coming player looking to prove himself on one of the West’s top contenders. It makes even more sense when you consider Eason is set to hit restricted free agency after this season.

But for the Rockets, the first 20 games of the season has often been a battle for Udoka and his coaching staff to find the best fit for his starting group after the loss of veteran point guard Fred VanVleet.

Obviously, Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Alperen Şengün and Smith are one of the most talented four-man lineups you’ll find around the league. However, it takes a specific skill set to complement those guys in a way that works with the defensive-minded vision Udoka has for his team.

At times, Udoka has utilized veteran center Steven Adams to make a super-sized starting lineup that can crush teams on the boards. But that lineup can be vulnerable against teams with multiple ball-handlers who can make plays off the dribble.

Udoka combatted that by putting Josh Okogie in the starting lineup quite a few times, but Okogie’s inconsistent shooting has made it easier for teams to send multiple bodies at Şengün and Durant to force the ball out of their hands.

Some fans have called for second-year point guard Reed Sheppard to be included as a full-time starter. While his electric shooting ability could be a major plus for that group, his defensive vulnerabilities have at times been an issue.

Now that Eason is healthy after missing 14 games with an oblique injury, he’s shown that he can provide a little bit of everything Udoka is looking for from that fifth starter.