The Rockets new schedule is released, 4 focus games, Greendillon s return game is confirmed

As soon as the Rockets' 2025-26 season schedule came out, the fan group was in a panic. After all, last season, the second place in the West was there, and Durant's joining, every game this season has made people look forward to it. If you look at this schedule carefully, you can see a lot of tricks. There are tests of hard battles in the first half of the schedule, there is also room for breathing in the face of weak teams in the later stage, and there are also many focus duels that can make fans unable to sit still with their tickets.

1, let’s talk about the most eye-catching highlights.

The opening match on October 22 is exciting enough to challenge the defending champion Thunder away. This is not an ordinary good start. As soon as Durant put on the Rockets' gown, he had to face his old club. There is a high probability that the commemorative video of the Thunder's championship will be played on the spot. Thinking about it, the atmosphere is tense enough. More importantly, this game will be broadcast live nationwide on NBC. Since the 2016-17 season, the Rockets have never shown such a big scene in the opening game. The whole team probably is holding their energy and want to use this game to set a tone for the new season.

A few days after the opening game, Durant will make his debut at the home Toyota Center on October 25, with his opponent being the Pistons. Although the Pistons have average strength in recent years, the meaning of this game is different - Houston fans can finally see the 15-time All-Star looks like wearing the Rockets in their home court. It is estimated that the tickets from Toyota Center had been stolen that day, and the cheers on the scene could lift the roof.

By December, two "hateful and grudges" are worthy of marking. Dillon and Jaylen Green are back at home against the Suns on December 6. In order to exchange for Durant in the summer, the two were sent to the Suns. Now they stepped onto the floor of Toyota Center as opponents. It’s full of stories to think about. Dillon's momentum may work harder when he meets his old teammates; Jaylen Green, as the former core of the Rockets, must want to prove himself in front of his old club. This game is worth the price of the ticket just by looking at the eyes of both sides.

Not to mention the Christmas game on December 26, the away challenge to the Lakers is the first time the Rockets have stood on the stage of Christmas Eve since 2019. James and Durant, the old opponents, are meeting again, and the Lakers' new player Doncic, are three super giants in the same game, and the pre-game premature can make up the headlines of sports news.

2, in terms of schedule, the Rockets have a bit of "bitter first and then sweet" this season.

did not give the Rockets a chance to breathe at the beginning. In the first 9 games, there were many hard bones like the Thunder and the Nuggets. The period from late November to mid-January is even more ruthless. 16 away games in 22 games are equivalent to having to live on the plane for more than a month. This is a big test for the team's physical fitness, especially for veterans like Durant. How can they maintain their form in continuous away games? The coaching staff has to think carefully about the rotation.

However, after surviving this difficult period, the days ahead will be much more comfortable. In the second half of the season, 28 of the home games were all at home, and 6 of them were in the Toyota Center in the last 8 games. This arrangement is quite reasonable. When it comes to the critical stage of sprinting to the playoffs, being able to play more games in a familiar environment can not only accumulate points, but also allow the main players to accumulate strength. Moreover, the number of back-to-back games dropped from 16 groups last season to 14 groups, of which 8 groups do not need to run long distances, and 7 groups even play at home, which is more friendly to the health of the players. For example, in early December, they played the Jazz two consecutive games, both in Salt Lake City. They can play again after one night of rest and don’t need to fly back. This is much more humane than last season. It can be said that Xiao Hua really takes care of the Rockets with Durant.

3, in terms of attention, the Rockets are definitely the "hot cake" of the league this season.

The Rockets will have 28 national live broadcasts next season, ranking in the top 5 in the league, and have big platforms such as ABC, ESPN, and NBC. The 15 games are still exclusive broadcasts, which means it is difficult for fans across the country to watch them. Behind this is actually the league's recognition of the Rockets' strength. With top stars like Durant, young stars like Shin Kyung and Amen, and the potential to win the championship, it is naturally worth more shots. This is also a good thing for players. Playing a few more good games in front of national audiences will help you whether you win awards or increase your value.

4, the UAE NBA Cup schedule is also quite impressive.

Rockets were divided into the Western Conference Group C, with opponents being the Spurs, the Trail Blazers, the Nuggets and the Warriors. On November 8, he will face the Spurs away first, and the match between Wenban Yama and the Rockets' young inside line is worth a look; on November 15, Lillard will still be there, if he is still there, it will be another scoring battle; on November 22, Jokic and Shin Kyung's inside line competition is full of highlights; on November 27, he will challenge the Warriors away, which is an old opponent in the playoffs last season. Durant returns to Golden State, I don't know how many memories will trigger. After these cup games, you can not only adjust the lineup, but also touch the bottom of a strong team in advance, which is very valuable to the Rockets.

In general, the Rockets' schedule this season is like a level-breaking game. There are a lot of tough things waiting in front, but as long as you grit your teeth and endure it, you can see the dawn later. With Durant's team-up, the enthusiasm of young players such as Amen and Shin Kyung, and the reasonable schedule, the Rockets this season have indeed reason to make fans look forward to more.