NBA schedule 2012: Regular season slate tips off with Rockets in Detroit

Preseason records are reset, final roster moves are made, and the 2012-13 NBA season is set to tip off on Tuesday.

The Houston Rockets make their regular-season debut on Wednesday at The Palace of Auburn Hills against the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons finished the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season with a record of 25-41.

On Tuesday's opening night, the Miami Heat begins its title defense by hosting the Boston Celtics, as new Heat player Ray Allen plays his former team right away. That game is followed by the L.A. Lakers, now with Steve Nash and Dwight Howard, hosting the Dallas Mavericks, who will be without Dirk Nowitzki.

Thurs., Nov. 1 features just two games, but both have great appeal. The New York Knicks take on the Brooklyn Nets in a modified rivalry as the Barclays Center officially opens for business. Also on that night, the Oklahoma City Thunder travel to play the San Antonio Spurs in a matchup of two teams expected to vie for the Western Conference title.

Here is the slate of games for the Southwest Division. All times Central. Find the full slate of the NBA's opening week at SI.com.

Tues., Oct. 30
Dallas Mavericks at L.A. Lakers - 9:30 p.m., TNT

Wed., Oct. 31
Houston Rockets at Detroit Pistons - 6:30 p.m.
San Antonio Spurs at New Orleans Hornets - 7:00 p.m.
Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz - 8:00 p.m.
Memphis Grizzlies at L.A. Clippers - 9:30 p.m.

Thurs., Nov. 1
Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs - 8:30 p.m., TNT