Media day and other dates Houston Rockets fans should be prepared for

The Houston Rockets are on the verge of a hotly anticipated 2025-26 NBA season. There are already some key dates you should have circled on your calendar.

This is a big year. With the acquisition of Kevin Durant, the Rockets raised the bar. Now, their fans await the start of the season with bated breath.

Here are some events to satiate your hunger in the meantime.

September 29 - Media Day

Rest assured, the Rockets have spent plenty of quality time together this year. If you haven't seen Fred VanVleet and Ime Udoka boxing, are you really a Rockets fan?

Media Day is the day we get to see them all together. It's the first major event before training camp gets underway. Fans will get a better feel for the group's mindset as the year approaches.

October 6 - First Preseason Game

The Rockets' first preseason game yields an intriguing matchup. They'll face a Hawks team that underwent major changes of their own this summer.

Granted, preseason is preseason. Both teams are likely to play like it's the regular season, only to put their worst players in the fourth quarter. We'll still get a sense of where the Rockets stand against a quality opponent.

October 21 - First Regular Season Game

Talk about getting a hot matchup...

The Rockets face the Thunder in their opening salvo. They're the defending champions. This is where the season really heats up.

The Rockets don't have to beat the best team in the NBA on opening night. If they can't make it competitive, that'll be a disappointment. This game is appointment viewing for Rockets fans. The team will look to start the season on the right foot.

October 24th - First Home Game

The Rockets' first game of the year comes against a formidable opponent. They should be favored to win their first home game, but they can't afford to underestimate a quality Pistons squad.

Anyway, it's always fun when the Pistons come to town. Amen vs Ausar is always a box office attraction. Detroit is a good squad, and the Rockets can treat their fans to a meaningful win on opening night.

November 7 - Rockets' First Emirates NBA Cup Game

Do the Rockets not feel like a strong candidate to win this year's NBA Cup?

They're full of young guys who are hungry to prove something. Why not start by winning the second-most important tournament of the NBA season?

Granted, the Spurs will have similar feelings. They won't be taken lightly. This should be a fun matchup with implications that go even beyond this season with a divisional rival.

January 20 - Rivals Week

Did someone mention the Spurs?

These organizations have been rivals for some time. Let's be honest - the Spurs have come out on top more often than not. That said, Houston has the better team heading into 2025-26.

Let's hope they can vanquish their rivals on the 20th.