The Houston Rockets begin their 2026-27 preseason campaign this weekend with a pair of games in China, headlined by the return of veteran guard Fred VanVleet. The Rockets face the Dallas Mavericks in Macao on Friday, October 9, 2026, with tip-off at 7:00 a.m. Central Time, and again on Sunday. Both games will be broadcast on NBA TV.
VanVleet missed the entire 2025-26 NBA season while recovering from a torn ACL in his knee. His comeback is a major storyline for a Rockets team looking to build chemistry and evaluate its roster. Dallas has a parallel narrative with the return of their own star, Kyrie Irving, who also sat out last season with an injury. These matchups offer an early look at two key players shaking off significant rust.
Fred VanVleet is more than just a scorer for the Houston Rockets. He’s the team’s primary floor general and a defensive leader. His ability to run the offense, create for others, and hit clutch shots from the perimeter is something the Rockets sorely missed last year.
His presence on the court stabilizes the young core, including players like Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. VanVleet’s basketball IQ and experience in high-pressure situations are intangible assets that don’t show up in a standard box score. Getting him meaningful minutes in a low-stakes preseason environment is vital for his rhythm and for the team’s overall offensive flow.
These games are less about the final score and more about process and health. Head coach Ime Udoka will likely use a deep rotation, giving extended run to both established veterans and players fighting for roster spots. The focus will be on implementing defensive schemes, testing pick-and-roll combinations, and getting everyone acclimated to game speed.
Facing a talented Mavericks squad featuring Luka Dončić and a returning Kyrie Irving provides a stiff test right out of the gate. It’s a chance to see how the Rockets’ perimeter defense holds up against elite guard play. Fans should watch for ball movement, defensive communication, and, of course, how VanVleet’s knee responds to live competition.
Following the two-game set in Macao, the Rockets will return to the United States to continue their preseason preparation. The real work begins when the 2026-27 regular season tips off later this month. Every practice and exhibition game is a building block for a team with playoff aspirations.
VanVleet’s successful reintegration is arguably the single biggest factor in determining Houston’s ceiling this season. If he returns to his All-Star caliber form, it raises the entire roster. These games in China are the first step in a long journey. The team’s performance, particularly the cohesion between VanVleet and the young core, will offer early indicators of what’s to come. All eyes will be on that backcourt when they take the floor against Dallas.
