San Antonio Spurs vs. Houston Rockets

For Spurs loyalists, the pinnacle of the 2016-17 NBA campaign came in the Western Conference Semifinals when Kawhi Leonard and Manu Ginobili exorcised playoff demons from San Antonio’s past by defeating the Houston Rockets in a stirring six-game series. Over the summer, Houston countered by adding mercurial point guard Chris Paul to their roster, a move that has propelled the Rockets to overtake the Spurs in this season’s standings. A subpar record on the road has hampered San Antonio’s momentum, as injuries remain a recurring theme. With Tony Parker unceremoniously turning over the keys of the offense to Dejounte Murray, and Leonard on the mend indefinitely, the team remains in transition. A showdown with Paul and the Rockets at home could set the tone for the Spurs as they lock in for their annual Rodeo Road Trip, which tips off next week.