Houston to Open Season in LA
By Blake Atkins
HOUSTON -- The NBA released the schedule for the 2007-08 season early Thursday mourning which revealed Houston will be playing the Los Angels Lakers in a the second game of a TNT double-header. The game will be re-debuts for Steve Francis and Mike James as Rockets and will be Luis Scola and Aaron Brooks' NBA debuts.
The Lakers maybe short handed if they decide the make a late decision to rebuild. With Kevin Garnett being traded to Boston, this may make Bryant make a harsher demand for a trade.
With or without Bryant, Houston should be favored to win. Houston won 10 more games than the Lakers, but should be even more improved from last season after upgrading the point guard and power forward position with the additions of Steve Francis, Mike James, Aaron Brooks, and Luis Scola.
After the season opener, the Rockets will have the home opener against the Portland Trailblazers, which will have the number one pick in the 2007 draft going up against arguably the best center in the NBA, in Yao Ming. This match up should favor Houston since Portland is developing young talent for the future and Houston is in "Win Now" mode.
2007 batkins182. All rights reserved.
