Inside The Rockets

Could Rockets Play on Christmas Next Year?

The Houston Rockets could return to the Christmas Day slate next season.
Jeremy Brener|
Dec 23, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) drives in during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
Dec 23, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) drives in during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

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Houston Rockets

It's been five years since the Houston Rockets last played on Christmas, but their Dec. 25 drought may come to an end next season.

The Rockets are slowly beginning to re-introduce themselves to the contender table in the NBA, and that could mean the team can get back in the Christmas schedule next season.

CBS Sports writer Sam Quinn proposes a matchup with the in-state rival Dallas Mavericks.

"Every Christmas needs a grinch, so might I suggest we throw Dillon Brooks in the mix as the day's villain? Some teams don't like playing on Christmas, justifiably preferring to spend the day celebrating with family. The Rockets will play anywhere, any time, and they'll make your life miserable as they're doing it," Quinn said. "Back in the heyday of Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan and Tracy McGrady, the Texas triangle was the NBA's most competitive region. Legitimate rivalries formed among all three teams that extended into the postseason."

Those rivalries are still alive and well. The Rockets don't like the Mavericks and Spurs and the feeling is mutual on their sides.

Maybe the Rockets need to officially make it to the playoffs and even have a series against the Mavs in order to bring some real potential for a marquee rematch, but Houston has the potential to be a Christmas team next year.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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