Rockets fans can't afford to miss this trio of games on the 2025-26 schedule

The Houston Rockets' 2025-26 schedule has officially been released. There's a stretch of three games that no Rockets fan can miss.

On November 21st, 24th, and 26th, the Rockets square off with the Nuggets, Suns, and Warriors in order. That's a trio of appointment viewing games for wildly different reasons.

Let's get into those reasons.

Rockets face test vs Nuggets

I've covered the Nuggets at length. The Thunder are the best team in the Western Conference on paper. The fight for next-best in the West is likely to be between Houston and Denver.

The Nuggets have had a stellar offseason. They upgraded Michael Porter Jr. by packaging him with a pick for Cameron Johnson. They added Jonas Valanciunas, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr. This is going to be a dangerous team in 2025-26.

If you want a more thorough comparison of the two, you're covered here. For now, let's summarize: The Rockets are deeper, but the Nuggets have Nikola Jokic, and they're deep in their own right. This ought to be a competitive matchup:

That's not the same reason Rockets fans should watch the Suns.

Rockets meet old friend vs Suns

If I've covered the Nuggets at length, I've discussed the Suns ad nauseam.

The links between these two clubs are well established. The Rockets own a pair of upcoming first-round picks from Phoenix. They sent them their 2025 pick back:

And that's the main reason you can't miss this game.

No, not to see Khaman Maluach in action - although, Rockets fans will be interested in seeing what they gave up. This will be their first reunion with Jalen Green after sending him packing.

The Rockets should be heavily favored to win this contest. Still, who could miss their first opportunity to see Green in a new uniform? This will be an emotionally charged game:

Two days later, the Rockets face a team they've tied plenty of emotions to.

Rockets face long-time rival vs Warriors

Beating the Warriors is always imperative. They were the main impediment to championship glory during the James Harden era. If you've forgiven them, your status as a Rockets fan is questionable.

The Rockets are supposed to be a better team next year, but when it comes to Golden State there are no certainties. The Warriors have had a quiet summer - they've mostly been dealing with Jonathan Kuminga's extension - but this is a team you underestimate at your own peril. Fans of the team will want to tune in to see if the Rockets are finally superior after losing to the Warriors in the first round last year.

Who could miss that?