NBA schedule 2012: Rockets tip off week against Spurs

The Houston Rockets open this week's NBA schedule with a battle for in-state bragging rights. Houston hosts the San Antonio Spurs at the Toyota Center Monday night.

The Spurs enter the game with a 17-4 record, which is the best in the NBA. Houston, meanwhile, is 9-10 and sits in 10th place in the Western Conference. Despite the win-loss gap between the teams, Monday's game should be exciting. San Antonio and Houston are ranked second and fourth in the NBA in scoring, averaging 104.6 and 103.4 points per game, respectively. Houston's biggest problem this season has been on the defensive end, as the Rockets allow 103.9 points per contest, ranking last in the league.

On Wednesday, the Rockets will go from facing the NBA's best team to its worst, when Houston hosts the Wizards. Washington is currently 2-15, but one of those wins did come against the Miami Heat.

Tuesday night, ESPN will showcase a nationally televised doubleheader. The Knicks and Nets lead off, and the Clippers and Bulls close it out. The World Wide Leader will show two games again Wednesday, as the Mavericks face the Celtics and the Spurs meet the Jazz. Thursday's TNT games feature the Lakers against the Knicks and the Spurs against the Trail Blazers.

Monday, Dec. 10

Spurs at Rockets, 7 p.m. CT

Wednesday, Dec. 12

Wizards at Rockets, 7 p.m. CT