The Houston Rockets are set to be featured in the first game of the NBA season, and a familiar face will be in the building.
Entering next season, the Rockets will be one of the premier teams in the association, as evidenced by their inclusion on opening night. Set to be in Oklahoma City to face the Thunder on ring night, the Rockets will be trying to spoil the celebration for the defending champs.
With Kevin Durant set to be in his old home arena and Houston facing a potential playoff opponent, the game should be one of the best of the NBA’s opening week. Along with the Rockets looking to make a statement early, they will also get to be a part of some history.
With NBC set to take over for opening night, it will be the first time the network has broadcast an NBA game in decades. That also means a new crew will be making its debut.
According to a recent report from Today, the first NBA on NBC game will feature an on-site studio show with Carmelo Anthony. The future Hall of Famer will be making his broadcasting debut for the NBA on NBC while two of his former teams match up.
While Anthony spent a full season in Oklahoma City, his time in Houston was much rockier. After being signed ahead of the 2018-19 season, Anthony played only 10 games, averaging 13.4 points, with a 28-point outburst in Brooklyn being the highlight of his brief Rockets tenure.
Ironically, Anthony played his final game as a Rocket in Oklahoma City, boasting only two points in a blowout loss. Now back in Oklahoma City for a Thunder-Rockets matchup, Anthony will be beginning a new chapter in the same place where one ended.
