Rockets face first fair test of the season in home opener

The Houston Rockets lost to the Thunder in their season opener, but they shouldn't hang their heads. A double overtime loss to the defending champions is nothing to be ashamed about. In Friday's home opener with the Pistons, they face their first fair test.

Let's be honest - the Thunder game was closer than it was supposed to be. The Rockets were always going to need to adjust to life without Fred VanVleet. Everyone knows the Thunder are the best team in the NBA. As season openers go, the Rockets were sitting ducks. By contrast, they should beat the Pistons:

But it won't be easy.

Rockets face true test against Pistons

Granted, the Pistons lost their first game against the Bulls. That was a game they were supposed to win:

So, they'll be hungry for a victory against Houston.

Cade Cunningham could make life difficult for the Rockets. He's a big point guard that Reed Sheppard will struggle to check. Cunningham's inefficiency against Chicago was problematic, but if the Rockets plan on playing Sheppard, he's likely to find his rhythm.

Otherwise, the Pistons have a similarly talented group of young wings as Houston. Amen Thompson's own identical twin is on the roster. Ron Holland shows potential. The Pistons also have an impressive big man rotation with Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart in the fold.

Detroit rounds its young group out with talented veteran floor spacers Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson. This is a solid team:

But the Rockets are better.

Rockets are favored to win home opener

That's what's meant by "the first fair test".

The Rockets weren't even supposed to take the Thunder to double overtime. They only lost by a point. It could have gone either way, but if it had been a Thunder blowout, it still wouldn't be a reason for concern.

If they lose to the Pistons, they'll need to start looking for answers.

Any GM is going to take Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and Jabari Smith Jr. over Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland. Nobody would prefer Jalen Duren to Alperen Sengun. The Rockets have the better team, and that's why they've had more success in a crowded Western Conference.

Still, this is the NBA. Any team can beat any team on any given night. Jaden Ivey is out for the Pistons, but Cunningham looms large. The Rockets can't take the Pistons for granted.

They're their first real test of the 2025-26 NBA season.