The Houston Rockets tip off their 2025-26 NBA season on Tuesday when they travel to the Paycom Center to face the defending champions, the OKC Thunder. There’s a mix of uncertainty and excitement looming over the Rockets as they head into the new season.
It’s been the biggest summer of change for Houston since 2017-18, when Chris Paul pushed for a trade from Los Angeles to team up with James Harden. This offseason, the front office has made a bold statement by signing superstar Kevin Durant in a blockbuster move, signaling serious ambition to contend for their long-awaited championship.
In addition to Durant, the Rockets have added several new players including Josh Okogie, Dorian Finney-Smith, JD Davison, and Clint Capela. Capela, in particular, is already being seen as a game-changer for Houston’s increasingly youthful roster. The team will be eager to hit the ground running, but starting the season against the reigning champions, the Thunder, presents a tough challenge.
### Houston Rockets Injury Report: Opening Night Updates
The Rockets are set to begin the campaign without one of their key starting guards, Fred VanVleet, who suffered a devastating ACL tear late in the offseason and is expected to miss the entire season. Additionally, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jae’Sean Tate are both recovering from ankle injuries and will be sidelined on opening night.
Isaiah Crawford faces a race against time to be fit but is expected to feature. The 23-year-old forward is currently listed as questionable with an ankle sprain and will be assessed before tip-off.
### What to Expect from the New-Look Houston Rockets
The revamped Rockets gave fans a glimpse of what’s to come by going unbeaten in the preseason. They dispatched the Atlanta Hawks twice, as well as the Utah Jazz and the New Orleans Pelicans, winning all four games by an average margin of 10.5 points and scoring an impressive 131.3 points per game.
With a 15-time NBA All-Star in Kevin Durant leading the charge, expectations are naturally high. While the primary goal remains winning a championship, making a deeper playoff run is equally important. Last season, Houston finished second in the regular season but suffered a disappointing first-round exit at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. This campaign, they are determined to at least advance beyond that stage.
### How to Watch Houston Rockets vs. OKC Thunder
The opening night game between the Rockets and Thunder is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Paycom Center. This game will also feature the Thunder hoisting their championship banner, adding to the excitement and atmosphere.
Adding extra intrigue, former Thunder star Kevin Durant will face off against his old team for the first time. The game will be broadcast on NBC, marking the network’s return to NBA coverage after decades.
Stay tuned as the Houston Rockets embark on a promising new season filled with hope, challenges, and the pursuit of NBA glory.
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