2013 Houston Rockets schedule: Dwight Howard brings more entertainment

Now that the off-court spotlight has dimmed on the drama surrounding LeBron James thanks to his two championships, Dwight Howard has become the target of many NBA pundits. He's also one of the best big men in the game, and because of that the Houston Rockets will gladly take whatever comes with him.

Dec. 6 vs. Warriors -- Two of the Western Conference's rising powers clash in Houston, and arguably, the Warriors and Rockets are the two teams in the conference that made the biggest upgrades this offseason. Additionally, Howard met with Golden State as a free agent, making for a fun "what if" storyline.

Dec. 20 at Indiana -- An early-season ESPN matchup should pit two of the younger perimeter stars in Paul George and James Harden against one another. In the middle, the battle between Roy Hibbert and Howard will be a treat to watch. Indiana and Houston clash with two very different styles, making it about which team imposes itself upon the other more.

Feb. 19 at Los Angeles Lakers -- Yes, the Rockets play the Lakers twice before this date. Both of those games are in Houston. The venom held for Howard in Lakerland will be put on ice for a good portion of the NBA season, but it's unlikely fans forget about how the big man left them high and dry during this summer's free agency period.

April 4 vs. Thunder -- Harden faces his old Thunder team in what should be a playoff type of atmosphere. It's the fourth and final meeting of the two teams, meaning Russell Westbrook should be hitting his stride after undergoing knee surgery this offseason -- he hurt himself against Houston in the playoffs last season. With more time for this rivalry to marinate a bit, it should only get more entertaining as the playoffs near.

After a successful season following the trade for Harden, Houston has a difficult schedule with 20 back-to-backs, 20 nationally televised games and few easy stretches. Perhaps the most difficult portion of the schedule begins Feb. 26 and runs through March 16. During that nine-game span, the Rockets have two games against the defending-champion Miami Heat and four more against the Clippers, Pacers, Thunder and Bulls. Also along that trek are outings against playoff contenders in Portland and Detroit with the only seemingly easy game coming against the Orlando Magic.

Season opener: Oct. 30 at home vs. Bobcats