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Mar 8, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) dribbles against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

The Houston Rockets will face a variety of opponents throughout the opening stretch in the 2026-27 NBA season. OnSI writers share their predictions for Houston’s first 10 games.

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The Houston Rockets will face a variety of opponents throughout the opening stretch in the 2026-27 NBA season. OnSI writers share their predictions for Houston’s first 10 games.

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Dec 29, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) is guarded by Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) in the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

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OnSI writers share their thoughts on how long Kevin Durant will remain with the Houston Rockets amid speculation about his future.

Oct 15, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) is introduced before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets enter the 2026-27 NBA season with high expectations, as a recent list positions the franchise toward the top of the Western Conference.

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After bowing out of the first round of the NBA playoffs last season to the short handed Lakers, last year's fifth seed looks to win it all this year.

Oct 11, 2026; Macau, CHN; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) dribbles the ball against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the NBA China Games at The Venetian Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vernon Bryant-Dallas Mavericks via Imagn Images

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Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. reflected on the team's preseason trip to Macao ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.

Apr 5, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the ball next to Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) in the first quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

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Basketball Hall of Famer Rick Barry shares his thoughts on Kevin Durant’s impact on team culture and his value to the Houston Rockets.

Oct 15, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart (36) shoots the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz (14) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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The writers from OnSI discuss the Houston Rockets' most impactful offseason moves ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.

Apr 10, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Former Houston Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon talks with Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) after the game between the Rockets and the Lakers at the Toyota Center. Bryant plays in the last road game and second to last game of his NBA career. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

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The Twin Towers were ahead of their time when they played for Houston, but could Hakeem score 50 in the modern game?

Feb 23, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) celebrates forward Kevin Durant (7) and forward Tari Eason (17) play against the Utah Jazz in the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets took the No. 1 spot in a recent list on the NBA positional rankings.

Mar 8, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dribbles against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

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Sampson is one of the few who knows what the Spurs center will face

Apr 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after a play as Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) looks on during the first quarter during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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Which Houston Rockets player deserves more recognition for his contributions on the court? On SI writers discuss the underrated talent helping Houston compete for an NBA championship.

Apr 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (10) battle for a loose ball during the third quarter during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets received a low ranking in a recent evaluation of all 30 NBA teams by position.

Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) against Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Mat Ishbia reflects on the Kevin Durant era and how it changed his approach to making decisions and building a team culture.

Oct 15, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard/forward Amen Thompson (1) talks with center Alperen Sengun (28) after a play during the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets were not mentioned in the NBA GM Survey’s most promising young core category despite their talented roster and continued improvement.

Basketball - NBA - Preseason - China Games 2026 - Houston Rockets v Dallas Mavericks - The Venetian Arena, Macao, China - October 11, 2026 Houston Rockets' Amen Thompson in action with Dallas Mavericks' Kyrie Irving REUTERS/Lam Yik

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Rockets star Amen Thompson was voted the NBA's best perimeter defender and most athletic player in the annual GM survey, highlighting his growing reputation.

May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka prior to game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

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Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka faces growing pressure to deliver playoff success to a team riding on momentum. On SI writers discuss what he needs to accomplish to get off the hot seat.

Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) before game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

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Who should replace Fred VanVleet as the Houston Rockets’ starting point guard if he misses time? On SI writers debate Houston’s best backup options.

Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) warms up prior to game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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Should the Houston Rockets load-manage Kevin Durant? On SI writers debate whether head coach Ime Udoka should reduce his minutes for next season.

Sep 29, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) and forward Amen Thompson (1) and center Alperen Sengun (28) during Houston Rockets media day at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets face a key question heading into 2027: Will Kevin Durant remain the franchise’s top player, or will Alperen Sengun or Amen Thompson take over?

Dec 16, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets former player and NBA Hall of Fame member Hakeem Olajuwon attempts a ceremonial free throw before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

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Vernon Maxwell thinks teaming with Hakeem Olajuwon on the Houston Rockets hindered his individual success on the court.

Jan 28, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) controls the ball as San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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Sengun could be in contention for All-NBA honors in 2027, but Nikola Jovic, Victor Wembanyama and a few others are in his way

Features

Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson give Houston a rare combination of scoring, playmaking, defense and versatility.

Jan 9, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) grabs a rebound during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers guard Rayan Rupert (21) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

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The current Houston star would have been impacted by what another prospect in 2007, Greg Oden, strongly considered

May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) shoots outside against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

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Amen Thompson has the potential to lead the Houston Rockets through a deep playoff run as he continues developing into a franchise cornerstone.

Jan 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) reacts to guard Reed Sheppard (15) basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

It may be off the bench, but there's an opportunity for more impact for a former Houston high draft pick