The Houston Rockets look to take the next step this season after consecutive first-round playoff exits and open the season on Tuesday night when they host the Dallas Mavericks, who have a healthy Kyrie Irving ready to go.
Mar 15, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs Houston Rockets
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When: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026
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TV Channel: WFAA (Dallas), KFAA (Decatur, Texas), Space City Home Network
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Houston also has a point guard returning from a lost season due to an ACL tear, with Fred VanVleet back to run the offense. The Rockets added free agent guards Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanović while signing Amen Thompson to a five-year, $208 million rookie extension and inking Tari Eason to a new five-year, $81.5 million deal. Houston still has Kevin Durant along with young star Alperen Şengün, with veteran big man Steven Adams returning after playing only 32 games.
Irving returns to a Dallas squad that is firmly in the hands of Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, who put up 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists over his final 26 full games, with the hope that newcomer Santi Aldama and Max Christie can provide enough 3-point shooting to keep the offensive lanes open. The Mavericks also picked up 2024 first overall pick Zacchaire Risacher from the Atlanta Hawks while adding first-round pick Morez Johnson Jr. and Sergio de Larrea and replacing Jason Kidd with former Michigan coach Dusty May.
The Rockets’ defense ranked among the NBA’s best in each of coach Ike Udoka’s first three seasons in Houston but need to find a half-court offense that doesn’t depend on 38-year-old Durant to carry the load every night. The Mavericks should improve with the return of Irving, with a play-in spot likely this group’s ceiling.
This is a great NBA matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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