Taking a deep dive into the Houston Rockets' schedule

The Houston Rockets' 2023-24 schedule was released last week, which was an indication that the season will be starting soon (even though it may not feel like it). The Rockets were on the receiving end of a semblance of national spotlight, as the team has four primetime games this season.

This has drawn excitement from the fanbase, as it's a sign of change. I even felt compelled to look back over the Rockets' schedule and map out my own personal strength of schedule.

In my in-depth guide for the Rockets' schedule this NBA season, teams were put into different groups and ranked, based on several factors. The teams were divided based on competitiveness and having young prospects.

Teams are listed in no particular order, and the Portland Trail Blazers are currently in the young prospects tier, but that will change if Damian Lillard gets his wish and is ultimately traded.

Taking a deep dive into the Houston Rockets' schedule.

Group One-Young Prospects:

• Orlando Magic- two games (one at home, one on the road)
• Portland Trail Blazers- Four games (two at home, two on the road)
• Oklahoma City Thunder- Three games (two on the road, one at home)
• San Antonio Spurs- Four games (two at home, two on the road)
• Indiana Pacers- Two games (one at home, one on the road)
• Detroit Pistons- Two games (one at home, one on the road)

Group Two-Up-and-coming stars:

• Memphis Grizzlies- Four games (two at home, two on the road)
• Sacramento Kings- Four games (two at home, two on the road)
• Minnesota Timberwolves- Three games (one at home, two on the road)
• Atlanta Hawks- Two games (one at home, one on the road)
• New Orleans Pelicans- Four games (two at home, two on the road)

Group Three- Middle of the pack teams with playoff hopes:

• Brooklyn Nets- Two games (one at home, one on the road)
• Chicago Bulls- Two games (one at home, one on the road)
• New York Knicks- Two games (one at home, one on the road)
• Utah Jazz- Four games (two at home, two on the road)
• Toronto Raptors- Two games (one at home, one on the road)

Group Four-Teams looking to make a deep playoff run/teams with MVP Candidates:

• Dallas Mavericks- Four games (two at home, two on the road)
• Miami Heat- Two games (one at home, one on the road)
• Philadelphia 76ers- Two games (one at home, one on the road)
• Golden State Warriors- Three games (two at home, one on the road)
• Los Angeles Clippers- Three games (two on the road, one at home)
• Los Angeles Lakers- Four games (two at home, two on the road)
• Milwaukee Bucks- Two games (one at home, one on the road)
• Phoenix Suns- Four games (two at home, two on the road)

Group Five- Championship favorites:

• Denver Nuggets- Three games (two at home, one on the road)
• Boston Celtics- Two games (one on the road, one at home)

When breaking the schedule down into these tiers, it makes the upcoming season even more exciting. The Rockets will have a great opportunity to see how they stack up against not only the best in the league, but also the young cores across the league, much like their own.