Rockets Look to Sweep Mavericks in Second Preseason Game of the China Series

Houston carries a 135-117 win into the second preseason meeting with a Dallas team still searching for answers.

DAL @ HOU Oct 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM UTC

The NBA China Games series shifts to its second preseason meeting, and Houston arrives with the clearer picture. The Rockets beat Dallas 135-117 in the opener in Macao, and the margin showed how far ahead the more settled group looked. Preseason results deserve caution, but this one came with real substance behind it.

Houston's production was broad. Alperen Şengün recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, and Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson and Tari Eason also contributed. VanVleet's return from injury adds to the continuity. The Rockets also shot 50% from three, which won't repeat every night, but their playmaking should keep generating clean looks.

Dallas has more to sort out. Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively II were rested in the opener, and Lively has no return timetable. If the Mavericks are shorthanded again, Cooper Flagg will remain the focal point after leading them with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Daniel Gafford matters even more in this scenario. Dusty May is pushing him to expand his game and take threes, but Dallas needs his rebounding first.

The Mavericks' shot profile is the other area to watch. They attempted plenty of threes under May's new system but hit just 35%, well behind Houston's mark. Volume can only help if the shots fall or the defense keeps up, and Dallas did neither in the first game.

Expect a tighter contest as Dallas adjusts and Houston's shooting cools. The Rockets' playmaking and cohesion still give them the advantage.

Prediction: Rockets 122, Mavericks 113.

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