The new NBA season is just around the corner and fans are excited to see their favorite teams play against each other. The Houston Rockets would be fairly optimistic going into the new season. The Rockets surpassed the expectations of many fans and experts by finishing 11th in the Western Conference. They finished 41-41 for the season, with a .500 record for the year. Before the last season, the Rockets had just won 22 games and finished second last in their Conference. Ime Udoka had a successful first season as a coach at the franchise and will look to build upon that in the upcoming season. The veteran Fred VanVleet alongside Dillion Brooks will look to lead this Rocket’s side this season. their star player from last season Alperen Sengun will also look to shine once again this season. Reed Sheppard will also be looking to impress the Houston fans in his rookie season for the franchise. Now let’s look at how the Rockets will warm up before the real action begins.

Rockets Preseason Schedule

According to NBA.com, this is the Rockets Preseason schedule.

Head-to-Head records

Houston Rockets vs Utah Jazz

The Rockets and Jazz have a very competitive head-to-head record in the regular season, with the Jazz leading with 115 wins compared to 103 wins for the Rockets. Both teams have faced each other 4 times in 2024 here the Rockets lead 3-1 against the Jazz. Utah Jazz finished just below the Rockets last season with a poor season record of 31-51. The Rockets would like to start their campaign with a victory and will look to boast their superior record against the Jazz in recent times.

Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder

The next stop for the Houston Rockets will be the Paycom Center where they will face Oklahoma City Thunder. OKC last season finished on top of the Western Conference with a season record of 57-25. They were eliminated from the Playoffs by the eventual Western Conference winners Dallas Mavericks. OKC has the upper hand in head-to-head matchups against the Rockets in the regular season, with OKC winning 121 and the Rockets are not so far behind with 117 wins. This game will prove a stern test for Ime Ukoda’s men.

Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans

After playing two back-to-back games on the road the Rockets will be back on their turf to face the Pelicans. The Rockets have a better record against the Pelicans with 44 wins for them and 38 wins for the Pelicans in the regular season. However, in 2024 the two teams faced each other twice with the Pelicans taking both wins. The Pelicans finished 8th in the Western Conference and will look to better that this season. The Pelicans will want their marquee player Zion Williamson to keep producing fantastic numbers to secure a Playoff birth. The game will be interesting to see as to who will clinch the win.

Houston Rockets vs San Antonio Spurs

Last but not least the Rockets will host their most bitter rivals the Spurs. The Rockets-Spurs rivalry dates back to 1976 since then the two teams have met 215 times in the regular season and the Spurs lead against the Rockets with 118 wins compared to 97 wins. But in recent times in their last three meetings, the Rockets have snatched all three W’s. The Rockets will look to extend their streak against Spurs in the pre-season matchup. The Spurs are coming off a season to forget after finishing second last the Western Conference with just 22 wins. They will also hope to turn the tables in the upcoming season.

Houston Rockets possible roster

The Rockets are going into the next season with a similar roster to last season and can therefore line up in some similar fashion. They have a good mix of seasoned pros along with some new blood. The Houston Rockets will look to eye a Playoff spot this season. The most notable addition to the squad is the twenty-year-old Reed Sheppard who was the no. 3 overall pick in the draft by the Rockets. He impressed in the Summer League by averaging 20.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in four games. Fred VanVeelt and Dillon Brooks are set to retain their starting positions as Point Guard and Small Forward respectively. Alperen Sengun will also look to retain his spot as the starting center after performing well last season.

Houston overall are in the proccess of rebuilding and this season could prove to be a starting point for a new era. The team has a fantastic pool of young players such as Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green and their new pick Reed Sheppard they all can take the Franchise to their first Playoff since 2020. There will be a lot of eyes on the Rockets this season will they be able to better from their performance last season? Will they make it to the Playoffs? only time will tell.