Questions about the 12/31 home game vs. Memphis...

Looks like I'm finally going to my first Houston Rockets home game at the end of this year as I'm going to be in town visiting family for the holidays. I have a few questions regarding that game however...

1. What's the game atmosphere like for the New Years Eve game? From what I remember, the Rockets often have this game at home. Where do people ususally go to party before/after the game? Do they do anything special with the game that night, is it packed, dead, etc.? Which leads me to my next question...

2. What's the best way to get tickets to that game (or any other home game for that matter)? I'm hearing sellouts at the TC are far and few between so perhaps buying tickets through Rockets.com might not be the best way to go. This year may be different though, who knows, what about scapling them?

Thanks for your help!