The Houston Rockets lost to the Thunder in their season opener, but they shouldn't hang their heads. A double overtime loss to the defending champions is nothing to be ashamed about. In Friday's home opener with the Pistons, they face their first fair test.
Let's be honest - the Thunder game was closer than it was supposed to be. The Rockets were always going to need to adjust to life without Fred VanVleet. Everyone knows the Thunder are the best team in the NBA. As season openers go, the Rockets were sitting ducks. By contrast, they should beat the Pistons:
But it won't be easy.