Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks: Texas Rivalry Intensifies in 2025-26 NBA Season
The Houston Rockets have demonstrated remarkable resilience against their fierce in-state rivals, the Dallas Mavericks, throughout the ongoing 2025-26 NBA season. Despite showcasing formidable strength for the majority of the campaign, Houston currently holds a 1-2 series record after three intense encounters with Dallas. These matchups included two games at the American Airlines Center and one thrilling contest at the Toyota Center.
Season Opener and Key Performances
On November 3, the Rockets inaugurated their season series against the Mavericks with an impressive 110-102 victory on their home court. The game was largely dominated by both teams' supporting casts, with Dallas's PJ Washington delivering an outstanding performance of 29 points and 12 rebounds. However, rookie sensation Cooper Flagg encountered difficulties in finding scoring opportunities, particularly when star player Anthony Davis was sidelined due to injury.
Upcoming Game Details and Broadcast Information
The highly anticipated next chapter of this Texas rivalry will unfold on Saturday, January 31, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Basketball enthusiasts can catch the live action on KFAA, while streaming options will be available through Fubo and Prime Videos for those preferring digital platforms.
Expected Starting Lineups
Houston Rockets:
- SG: Amen Thompson
- PG: Tari Eason
- SF: Kevin Durant
- PF: Jabari Smith Jr.
- C: Alperen Sengun
Dallas Mavericks:
- SG: Cooper Flagg
- PG: Max Christie
- SF: Naji Marshall
- PF: P.J. Washington
- C: Daniel Gafford
Injury Report for Both Teams
Houston Rockets Injury Concerns:
- Steven Adams - Out (Underwent season-ending left ankle surgery)
- Fred VanVleet - Out (Suffered a torn ACL, potentially missing entire 2025-26 campaign)
Dallas Mavericks Injury Updates:
- Anthony Davis - Out (Finger injury)
- Dereck Lively II - Out (Underwent successful surgery on his right foot)
- Kyrie Irving - Out (Knee issue)
- Dante Exum - Out (Will undergo season-ending knee surgery)
Game Prediction and Recent Performance Analysis
In their previous encounters, Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun combined forces to deliver an impressive 53 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists for the Rockets. Houston experienced a balanced scoring night thanks to these two emerging talents, even though the remainder of the team struggled with a 39.2% field goal shooting percentage. The home team's defensive efforts limited the Mavericks to just 47 points in the second half, concluding the fourth quarter with 29 points.
While Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. collectively contributed 49 points, Houston faced challenges in generating offensive production from Sengun and Thompson. When Anthony Davis was available, the star big man dominated with 29 points, eight rebounds, and two steals, while the Rockets conceded 74 points in the paint. Subsequently, Houston suffered another defeat, 110-104, on January 3 in Dallas. Both teams are now preparing for another fiercely competitive showdown that promises to keep basketball fans on the edge of their seats.
