Game Day: Houston Rockets open 2016-17 season vs Lakers

Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball during the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

For every Houston Rockets fan this day couldn’t come soon enough after a season most would like to forget.

As the Houston Rockets begin their 2016-17 season they travel to Los Angeles. Optimism abounds for the team and fans as the Rockets preseason piqued all our interest.

The first game certainly won’t define the season, but we’re anxious for the James Harden era to begin.

Here’s the details you’ll need for the game:

Next: Off Season Moves

Feb 21, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) holds the ball as Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) defends during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Rockets Summer Moves:

Incoming:

• Ryan Anderson 4-years, $80M exits Pelicans
• Eric Gordon 4-years, $53M exits Pelicans
• Nene Hilario on a 1 year, $2.9M exits Wizards
• Pablo Prigioni on a 2-year veteran minimum deal exits Clippers

Extended:

• James Harden signed 4-year,  $118M contract extension

Exiting: 

• Dwight Howard agrees to 3-year $70.5M deal with Hawks
• Terrence Jones signed a 1-year deal with Pelicans
• Jason Terry signs 1-year veteran minimum deal with Bucks

RFA Qualifying Offer:

• Donatas Motiejunas Rockets extend qualifying offer

Lakers Summer Moves:

Incoming:

• Luol Deng 4-year $72M exits Heat
• Timofey Mozgov 4-years $64M exits Cavs

Exiting: 

• Roy Hibbert 1-year, $5M
• Brandon Bass to a 1-year minimum deal moves to Clippers
• Robert Sacre signs summer league/training camp contract with Pelicans

Re-upping:

• Jordan Clarkson 4-years, $50M
• Tarik Black 2-years, $12.85M
• Marcelo Huertas to a 2-year deal

Next: Starting Line-ups

Starting Line Ups:

Rockets:

Point Guard:  James Harden – 29 points, 7.5  assists, 6.1 rebounds, 2016 SCS Harden preview

Shooting Guard: KJ McDaniels  – 2016 SCS McDaniels preview

NOTE: D’Antoni has said he’d prefer Gordon coming off the bench (the role they envision for him) , but he could give Gordon the nod also

Small Forward:  Trevor Ariza – 12.7 points,  2.3 assists,  4.5  rebounds, 2016 SCS Ariza preview

Power Forward: Ryan Anderson – 17.0 points  1.1 assists, 6.0 rebounds  Anderson Media Day

Center:  Clint Capela – 7.0 points, 0.6 assists, 6.4 rebounds,  2016 SCS Capela preview

Lakers:

Point Guard: D’Angelo Russell – 13.2 points,  3.3 assists,  3.4 rebounds

Shooting Guard:  Jordan Clarkson – 15.5 points,  2.4 ,  assists,  4.0 rebounds

Small Forward: Luol Deng – 12.3 points, 1.9 assists,  6.0 rebounds

Power Forward: Julius Randle – 11.3 points, 1.8 assists, 10.2 rebounds

Center: Timofey Mozgov – 6.3 points, 4.4 assists, 0.8 blocks

Next: Reserves

Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Nene Hilario (42) during a game against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets Reserves:

Guards:

• Eric Gordon –  Media Day
• Tyler Ennis –  Trade for Ennis
• Bobby Brown  –  Rockets announce 15 man roster

Wings:

• Corey Brewer –  2016 SCS Brewer preview
• Sam Dekker –  2016 SCS Dekker preview
• Kyle Wiltjer  –  Get to know more about Wiltjer

Bigs:

• Nene Hilario –  2016 SCS Nene Preview
• Montrezl Harrell  –  2016 SCS Harrell Preview
• Chinanu Onuaku  –  Analyzing the Rockets 37th pick

Los Angeles Lakers Reserves:

Reserves:

Guards: Jose Calderon, Marcelo Huertas

Wings: Lou Williams, Brandon Ingram, Nick Young, Metta World Peace

Bigs: TarikBlack, Ivica Zubic, Thomas Robinson, Larry Nance Jr.

Next: Game Particulars

Walking Wounded:

Rockets:

• Montrezl Harrell missed Monday’s practice for personal reasons
• Patrick Beverley – knee, is sideline for 3 weeks minimum and will be re-evaluated following his Monday arthroscopic procedure. (targeting early December)

Lakers:

• Jose Calderon – strained left calf expected to miss opener

More from Space City Scoop

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• Why Armoni Brooks could be Rockets GM Rafael Stone’s biggest gem
• How the Rockets have unlocked Jae’Sean Tate’s true potential
• Move over Rockets fans, Lakers fans hit new low
• Details emerge regarding Sterling Brown’s whereabouts during incident

Venue:

Wednesday October 26th at Staples Center, Los Angeles, 10:30PM EST

Radio and Television Providers:

In Houston and Area: Root Sports

Worldwide: NBA League Pass and NBA TV

Game Time: 9:30 PM CT and 10:30 PM EST

Next: San Antonio Spurs 2016-17 Preview

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