Rockets Face Mavericks in Macao as Injured Guards Return

The Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks begin their preparations for the 2026-27 NBA season in Macao, China, on October 9, meeting at The Venetian Arena in the first of two preseason games. The international matchup offers both teams an opportunity to evaluate their rosters, particularly the expected returns of point guards Fred VanVleet and Kyrie Irving from anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

According to the NBA's official schedule, the opening game is set for 8 a.m. Eastern Time, or 8 p.m. local time in Macao. The teams will meet again on Sunday, October 11, at 6 a.m.

Eastern Time. Both games will be broadcast live on NBA TV and NBA League Pass.

The matchup is part of the 16th NBA China Games, an international exhibition series that began in 2004. The NBA says the program has featured 30 preseason games and forms part of its broader international schedule for the upcoming season.

VanVleet's expected return is a major development for Houston after he missed the entire 2025-26 campaign with a torn right ACL suffered on September 22, 2025. The veteran guard last played during Houston's first-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors in 2025, according to The New York Times.

Dallas also expects Irving to return during the Macao series after he tore his left ACL on March 3, 2025. Mavericks coach Dusty May said Irving would play in one of the two games, while Rockets coach Ime Udoka also indicated that VanVleet was expected to appear in the series, according to the NBA's preview.

Both guards bring championship experience to their teams. Irving won an NBA title with Cleveland in 2016, while VanVleet won with Toronto in 2019. Their return provides an early opportunity to assess their movement, playmaking and integration with teammates following extended absences.

Availability remains a consideration for other players. A report from Sports Yahoo identified Dallas center Dereck Lively II as a game-time decision following right foot surgery, while Santi Aldama was also listed as a game-time decision with an undisclosed issue. Houston center Steven Adams was expected to see some playing time after his own injury absence, although his minutes were expected to be limited.

For Dallas, the series also marks the first opportunity to see May coach the team in an NBA game alongside second-year forward Cooper Flagg. May arrives after leading the University of Michigan to an NCAA championship, while Flagg enters his second professional season after winning Rookie of the Year honors, according to the NBA.

Houston will also assess the role of Reed Sheppard, who is expected to focus more on scoring and off-ball opportunities with VanVleet and Marcus Smart available to help direct the offense. The New York Times reported that Sheppard made 227 three-pointers last season, ranking ninth in the league in that category, as the Rockets look to strengthen their perimeter attack.

Kevin Durant remains central to Houston's plans. The veteran forward is entering his 19th NBA season and second with the Rockets after averaging more than 25 points per game during the 2025-26 season, according to the NBA. Houston's younger core includes Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. and Sheppard.

Thompson is among the players Houston hopes to develop further as shooting coach Chip Engelland works to improve his perimeter mechanics. Thompson said during training camp, "We're working on little things like being smooth and not being short, stuff like that. I feel like we're in a good spot where we're not starting from square one, but still working on little stuff." The comments were reported by The New York Times.

Beyond the games, the NBA and Sands are hosting public events across Macao from October 7 through October 11. NBA House at Cotai Expo combines basketball, music, fashion, technology and dining, while community programs focus on health, wellness and sustainability. NBA Fan Day is scheduled for October 10 at The Venetian Arena, featuring player appearances and performances by Asian artists.

The two preseason contests will help both teams evaluate returning players and roster combinations before the regular season begins. Houston and Dallas are scheduled to open their regular-season matchup on October 21 at Toyota Center, according to The New York Times.