The Houston Rockets open their preseason schedule with a 7am Central Time matchup against the Dallas Mavericks in Macau, China. This unusual early morning tip-off at the Venetian Arena kicks off a two-game preseason series between the Texas rivals.
The game starts at 7am Central Time on Friday. Fans can catch the action on NBA TV or the Space City Home Network. The early hour is due to the game being played at the 14,000-seat Venetian Arena in Macau. This venue has a history of hosting NBA preseason games alongside major concerts and boxing events. The two teams will turn around and play again on Sunday morning at an even earlier 5am CT start.
Head coach Ime Udoka typically uses preseason to evaluate his main rotation players. He's expected to give significant minutes to his regulars as the team works on its offensive sets and defensive schemes. With the game being an international show, the NBA also has an interest in seeing star players get meaningful run. For the Mavericks, new coach Dusty May's rotation strategy is an unknown, but the presence of Kyrie Irving and top rookie Cooper Flagg suggests they'll see plenty of court time. The Rockets' own injury report is currently clean, though that can always change before tip-off.
Preseason is about rhythm and evaluation. After a playoff series against the Lakers that featured close games like their 93-99 win on April 30 and a 115-96 victory on April 27, the Rockets need to solidify their identity. These games in Macau offer a first look at player conditioning and how the team executes under game conditions. It's a chance for the coaching staff to test combinations and for players to shake off summer rust. Every minute counts when preparing for the long NBA regular season ahead.
Immediately after this contest, the focus shifts to the rematch against Dallas on Sunday morning. That quick turnaround will test the team's adaptability and depth. Following the preseason, the Rockets will return to Houston to finalize their roster and make final preparations for the 2026-27 NBA regular season opener. The lessons learned from these international games, especially against a Western Conference opponent like the Mavericks, will be important. Building a consistent performance level is the goal.
