The National Basketball Association confirmed on Monday that the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets will meet in the NBA China Games 2026.
According to the league announcement, the two teams will play preseason games on Friday, Oct. 9, and Sunday, Oct. 11, at The Venetian Arena in Macau. The matchups will take place ahead of the 2026–27 NBA season.
The NBA China Games are part of the league’s long-term strategy to expand its presence in Asia. Macau previously hosted NBA preseason contests in 2007 and 2008.
While final rosters will not be set until closer to the 2026–27 season, both clubs are expected to resemble their current cores. The announcement arrives with Houston and Dallas on very different trajectories during the 2025–26 campaign.
The Rockets enter January positioned near the top of the Western Conference standings at 21–11. Houston has posted one of the league’s best net ratings, driven by a balanced offense and a defense allowing just 111.4 points per game.
Kevin Durant leads the Rockets at 25.7 points per contest, while Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson have provided consistent production in expanded roles. Houston is averaging 120.0 points per game, ranking among the NBA’s most efficient offenses.
Dallas, meanwhile, sits 11th in the West at 13–23 after 36 games. The Mavericks have struggled with defensive consistency, allowing 117.5 points per game, and have relied heavily on half-court scoring to stay competitive.
Anthony Davis has been the focal point for Dallas, averaging 20.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Rookie forward Cooper Flagg has also emerged as a primary scorer, contributing 18.9 points per game while playing a team-high 34.6 minutes.
