This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/rockets as Rockets' Toughest Five-Game Stretches of the 2025-26 NBA Season. The 2025-26 NBA schedule is officially out, with plenty of buzz surrounding the league's top teams. This season, the hierarchy is expected to look a bit different, especially in the Western Conference.

A rematch of Rockets vs. Warriors highlights Houston's group play schedule for the 2025 edition of the NBA's in-season tournament.

The 2025 NBA offseason isn't technically over, and several (relatively) interesting free agents remain unsigned. However, the vast majority of the league's business is done for the summer, and that means it is time to take stock of what transpired.

The Houston Rockets' offseason was highlighted by the addition of Kevin Durant, after their successful season last year in the West.

Adding Kevin Durant in place of Jalen Green to a young, successful, and elite defensive team was the perfect fit for the 15-time All-Star.”

The Rockets have had a number of legendary rim protectors suit up in Space City throughout their 59 years, with Olajuwon filling out the entire list.

Jeff Teague claimed Kevin Durant’s greatness does not necessarily translate into the kind of leadership that can elevate teams.

The Oklahoma City Thunder star, 31, wed Big Brother alum Haleigh Broucher on Saturday, Aug. 9, in a slam-dunk Houston ceremony that featured stunning floral arrangements, slow dancing and plenty of friends and teammates there to cheer them on.

The NBA returns to NBC on October 21 with a Houston-focused opening night: the defending champion Thunder host the Rockets, featuring former stars Durant and Green. Later, Warriors face Lakers in a classic showdown.