Rockets schedule: First meeting with Spurs' Wembanyama and 5 other must-watch dates

Do you feel it?

It’s the 2024-25 NBA regular season coming around the corner - swiftly. Houston Rockets fans have reason to be excited, and their excitement levels likely just rose.

After all, the league just released their schedule. Rockets fans finally know when they’ll be playing every team this year.

Here are 6 games they can’t afford to miss

Friday, October 23rd - Season Opener

This year, the Rockets' season opener and home opener are the same. They kick off the season against the Charlotte Hornets on the 23rd.

That's a nice test to kick off the year. The Hornets have a lot of talent, but they've been mostly outside of the playoff picture for years. They aren't pushovers, but they are the type of team that the Rockets are supposed to beat.

Saturday, October 26th - First meeting with Spurs

If you love basketball, can you ever afford to miss Victor Wembanyama?

Well, if your name is Alperen Sengun, you may be badly missing him. The Rockets big man had Wembanyama’s number in 2023-24. Most notably, Sengun had a career night against the phenom with 45 points and 15 rebounds.

Does he have his number? Will Wembanyama be more prepared for him this year? We’ll find out on the 26th when the Rockets travel to San Antonio.

Saturday, November 2nd - An old rivalry reheated vs Warriors

For a long time, the Rockets and Warriors felt like rivals. As the Warriors continued battling for NBA titles and the Rockets were forced to concede and rebuild, it felt like the rivalry died.

Consider it back on. The Warriors were the team directly blocking the Rockets from play-in contention in 2024-25. We’ll have a better idea of where each team stands on November 2nd.

Friday, January 3rd - Facing the defending champs

Who would miss the defending champions?

Unless you really can’t stand to watch the Rockets lose. In that case, you might want to skip this one. Otherwise, it’s worth watching.

If nothing else, it’s a gauge. If the Rockets get blown out, it may be a sign that they’re not where they’re hoping to be. If they make it competitive, it bodes well for their season goals.

Either way - you've got to watch the defending champions!

Wednesday, January 15th - The student meets the teacher

Nikola Jokic is Alperen Sengun’s idol. Perhaps it should be the other way around.

We’re joking (at the expense of the Joker, no less). Still, it’s worth noting that the Rockets beat the Nuggets in three of their four contests last season. Will they beat them again in 2024-25?

We’ll have a better idea on the 15th when the Nuggets host the Rockets.

Wednesday, February 12th - A consequential matchup

Why the Suns, you ask?

Have you been paying attention? The Suns are the new Nets for Rockets fans. Houston owns several first-round picks from Phoenix through to 2029.

So, when the Suns fail, the Rockets succeed. They’ll have the first opportunity to expedite their failure on February 12th.