Rockets Tip Off 2010-2011 at Lakers on TNT Home Opener Set for Oct. 30 vs. Denver at Toyota Center

HOUSTON – The Houston Rockets tip off the 2010-11 regular season on TNT against 2010 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant and the two-time defending NBA champion L.A. Lakers at 9:30 p.m. (CT) on Oct. 26 at STAPLES Center, which was announced today by the NBA as part of its national television schedule for Kia Motors NBA Tip-Off ’10 and select national holiday games. This will mark the first time the Rockets have faced the reigning NBA title holders to open a season since traveling to Detroit to begin the 2004-05 campaign against the then-defending NBA champion Pistons.

The Rockets return to Toyota Center to open the 2010-11 home slate by hosting Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups and the Denver Nuggets on NBA TV at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30.

The remainder of the 2010-11 NBA regular season schedule will be completed and announced next Tuesday, Aug. 10.

Full and half season ticket packages are available now. Deposits are also being accepted for group tickets and mini-plans, which include 14-game and six-game plans by calling (713) 627-DUNK (3865) or visiting www.rockets.com for details. Individual game tickets will go on sale at a later date in Oct.