Three Takeaways From Rockets' 2023-24 Schedule Release
HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets announced Thursday afternoon their schedule for the 2023-24 regular season, which will mark their 57th as an NBA franchise. Here are three takeaways that stood out.
Jabari Smith Jr. will make a statement within the first two games: The Rockets will open their 2023-24 season with a two-game road trip, starting against the Orlando Magic on Oct. 25. Following their lone appearance inside the Amway Center, the Rockets will travel to San Antonio for the first of four games against the Spurs.
Every player on the roster will be motivated to begin the season on a strong note. But Jabari Smith Jr. will have an extra push, given that his first two contests will be against Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama.
Before the Magic took the then-Duke prospect with the top overall selection, all signs pointed toward Orlando drafting Smith with the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. But on the night of the draft, Orlando changed course and selected Banchero.
During the Rockets' two-game series against the Magic last season, Banchero outplayed Smith. The then-rookie prospect from Auburn University averaged 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. Banchero averaged 26.5 points and 9.5 rebounds.
While Smith will be motivated to go up against Banchero, the second-year forward may take his inaugural meeting against Wembanyama personally.
Smith was unhappy with Wembanyama's facial expression after the Rockets failed to land the French phenom during the NBA Draft Lottery.
When NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum revealed that the Rockets had fallen to the fourth overall pick, Wembanyama gave a slight celebration upon learning of Houston's fate. Wembanyama celebrated while Smith noted his actions on Twitter.
Cunningham vs. Green could become the next great rivalry: The Rockets have four nationally televised games. But given that three games will air on NBA TV, Houston technically has one. ESPN will broadcast the Rockets' road game against the Detroit Pistons on Jan. 12 inside the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, AL.
The interest level resonates with what could be one of the league's next great rivalries. The Pistons and Rockets are in a similar position in their respective rebuilds. And following the hiring of new coaches, Ime Udoka and Monty Williams, both franchises are trying to bring relevancy back to each organization.
Amen and Ausar Thompson will headline the inter-conference contest. But Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green are the primary crowd puller.
Cunningham and Green were the top two picks in the 2021 NBA Draft and have established themselves as foundational cornerstones. The Pistons and Rockets have played four games since their arrival. But due to injuries, Cunningham and Green have played each other once.
The Rockets fell 112-104 to the Pistons on Nov. 10, 2021. Cunningham scored 20 points on 8-of-18 shooting, while Green finished the night with 23 points in a loss inside the Toyota Center.
Both players went at each other during their lone NBA battle. And the improvements made to their respective games will make for a highly anticipated national reunion.
An emotional return to Boston: The overhaul the Rockets underwent this off-season will make for several anticipated returns. But a road match against the Boston Celtics will mark the Rockets' most emotional reunion — Udoka's first return to TD Garden.
The Celtics suspended Udoka before the start of training camp following the team's internal investigation into an inappropriate workplace relationship. And following his official firing, Udoka has reiterated his remorse.
Udoka said he had taken full ownership and responsibility for his off-court transgressions. He does not have ill feelings toward the Celtics and the franchise's decision for his early termination.
Boston began the 2021-22 campaign 16-21 at the start of Udoka's tenure. The Celtics finished the regular season 33-10 before falling to the Golden State Warriors during the NBA Finals.
You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24
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