For the Houston Rockets and each of the NBA’s other 29 teams, the long journey of the 2023-24 regular season begins now.
In the first game under new head coach Ime Udoka, Houston opens its regular-season schedule on Wednesday, Oct. 25, in Orlando with a 6 p.m. Central matchup versus the Magic.
On paper, it’s an intriguing game featuring two young, rebuilding teams from recent seasons who are each looking to take a step forward in the 2023-24 campaign. It’s also a potential one-on-one showdown between second-year forwards Paolo Banchero and Jabari Smith Jr., who were selected by the Magic and Rockets at No. 1 and No. 3 overall, respectively, in the first round of the 2022 draft.
Houston and Orlando both enter with relatively strong momentum, having lost only one game apiece in preseason play.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 25
- Time: 6 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (0-0)
- Guard: Fred VanVleet
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: Dillon Brooks
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
Orlando Magic (0-0)
- Guard: Markelle Fultz
- Guard: Jalen Suggs
- Forward: Franz Wagner
- Forward: Paolo Banchero
- Center: Wendell Carter Jr.
Projected lineups are based on each team’s official game notes.
Injury reports
Houston’s injury report for Wednesday lists Tari Eason (left lower leg stress reaction) and Victor Oladipo (left patellar tendon repair) as out. The Magic are listing Kevin Harris (sore right knee) as out and Garry Harris (left adductor strain) as questionable.
