Injury Report and Preview for the Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks

The Houston Rockets will play their season opener on October 21st 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston against the Dallas Mavericks.

The game will be available to watch on Local Broadcasting, and NBA League Pass (with subscription), with tip off starting at at approximately 7:30 PM CT

Both teams will be welcoming back their starting point guards, as Kyrie Irving and Fred VanVleet are both returning from season ending ACL injuries. For Irving, this game marks a highly anticipated return to regular-season action following a long rehabilitation from a left knee ACL tear suffered in March 2025.

His elite shot-creation and veteran presence are vital for a Mavericks team looking to balance the floor alongside sophomore star Cooper Flagg. Irving's health and perimeter efficiency will dictate how potent the Dallas offense can be out of the gate.

VanVleet enters the matchup fully locked in as Houston’s primary floor general. Under head coach Ime Udoka, VanVleet is tasked with orchestrating a loaded Rockets roster that features Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün. Known for his elite assist-to-turnover ratio, high-IQ ballhandling, and rugged perimeter defense, VanVleet provides the structural stability Houston needs to counter Dallas's offensive firepower.

While the Rockets boast deep secondary playmaking options in Marcus Smart and Reed Sheppard, VanVleet’s ability to control the tempo and guard Irving at the point of attack will be a deciding factor in securing an opening night victory at the Toyota Center.

Both teams have some bench players listed on the injury reports. Houston’s back up center Steven Adams was also expected to return from his extended absence due to injury, but he is currently listed as questionable due to right calf tightness/soreness. Julian Philips is also questionable, but due to illness.

For the Mavericks, Santi Aldama is unavailable as he is recovering from his right knee arthroscopic procedure; Tarik Biberovic is out with right heel bursitis; Dereck Lively is out as he is recovering from right foot surgery; Caleb Martin is out due to a right thumb sprain.

The Houston Rockets are a heavy favorite in this matchup, as the bookmakers have the line set at -10. The over/under is currently set at 230 points, so the predicted result is around Houston 120 - Dallas 110. The line movement is moving towards the game being a blowout, so I would not be surprised if the Rockets dominate this game and win by over 10 points.

Will The Houston Rockets open up their regular season with a big victory against their Texas rivals?