NBA | International

Rockets and Mavericks set for NBA China Games in Macao

Houston and Dallas are scheduled to meet in two preseason games at The Venetian Arena on Oct. 9 and Oct. 11, 2026.

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The Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks are scheduled to play two NBA preseason games at The Venetian Arena in Macao on Friday, Oct. 9, and Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.

The NBA’s Oct. 8 preview says the games are part of the 16th NBA China Games. Tipoff is listed for 8 p.m. local time on Oct. 9 and 6 p.m. local time on Oct. 11.

Game schedule and broadcast

The first game is scheduled for Oct. 9 at 8 a.m. ET (8 p.m. in Macao). The second is set for Oct. 11 at 6 a.m. ET (6 p.m. local time).

Both matchups are listed as available live on NBA TV and NBA League Pass. The Venetian Arena will host the games for the second consecutive year, according to the NBA.

Storylines ahead of the games

The NBA preview identifies Kyrie Irving and Fred VanVleet as point guards returning from ACL injuries. It says both are expected to appear in one of the two games, citing Dallas coach Dusty May and Houston coach Ime Udoka.

The preview also highlights Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg and May, who is beginning his first NBA coaching job, as well as Kevin Durant entering his second season with Houston and 19th in the NBA.

More than preseason basketball

The NBA and Sands are also planning fan and community events in Macao. NBA Fan Day is scheduled for Oct. 10 at The Venetian Arena, while NBA House and Community Impact Week are listed for Oct. 7–11.

The league says the China Games began in 2004 and have included 30 NBA preseason games. The 2026 edition is one of five international showcases listed on the NBA calendar for the upcoming season.

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The schedule, broadcast information and event details in this preview are based on information published by the NBA on Oct. 8, 2026.

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Editorial transparency · How this story was created

This article was prepared by the automated Ranko newsroom using tournament data recorded on Ranko Universe at the time of generation. Subsequent updates or corrections may not yet appear here.

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