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NBA China Games 2026: Rockets Dominate Mavericks as New Season Takes Shape
NBA China Games 2026: Rockets Dominate Mavericks as New Season Takes Shape
The NBA China Games 2026 officially kicked off the 2026-27 preseason in spectacular fashion on Friday, as the Houston Rockets dominated the Dallas Mavericks 135-117 at The Venetian Arena in Macao. With Kevin Durant entering his 19th season, Cooper Flagg announcing his sophomore leap, and LeBron James set to debut in a Philadelphia 76ers uniform on Opening Night, the league's most anticipated season in years is just getting started. Here's everything you need to know about the biggest NBA stories unfolding right now.
NBA China Games 2026: Rockets Roll Over Mavericks in Macao
The NBA's international showcase returned to Macao, China, for a two-game preseason series between the Rockets and Mavericks, and Game 1 did not disappoint. Houston built a 20-point lead by halftime and never looked back, cruising to a 135-117 victory in front of a sold-out crowd at The Venetian Arena — with Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming watching from courtside seats.
Houston was led by Tari Eason's game-high 20 points and 17 more from Fred VanVleet. Kevin Durant, now in his 19th NBA season, looked poised and controlled, setting the tone for what could be a special campaign for a Houston team that made serious noise in last spring's playoffs.
Cooper Flagg Turns Heads in Preseason Debut
Despite the loss, Dallas gave NBA fans a genuine reason for excitement. Cooper Flagg, the reigning Rookie of the Year, was nothing short of sensational in the first half before head coach Dusty May held him out of the second half as a precautionary measure.
In just 19 first-half minutes, Flagg posted 19 points and 6 rebounds on 7-of-14 shooting, adding an emphatic alley-oop, a blocked shot on Amen Thompson, and a midrange pull-up from the nail that showcased clear growth from his rookie campaign. He forced three of Houston's first five turnovers with his disruptive defensive presence alone.
If Friday's performance is any preview of what Year 2 holds for Flagg, we could be talking about a player rapidly ascending into the top-15 conversation league-wide. Strength, confidence with the ball, and elite defensive instincts — he has it all at just 20 years old.
Kyrie Irving Sits Out Game 1, Set to Debut Sunday in Game 2
Dallas Mavericks head coach Dusty May announced before Game 1 that Kyrie Irving would sit out Friday's contest, preserving him for Sunday's follow-up game on October 11. The decision was as much about strategic evaluation as rest — May wanted to see how his revamped roster responded without their veteran floor general.
"The leverage he provides the other guys, I think that's one area we can make a big improvement offensively," May said before the game. "Simply having a floor general like him on the court with the young group, I think, will open up a number of things." Irving's deep personal and professional connection to China makes Sunday's Game 2 appearance one of the most anticipated moments of the entire preseason trip.
New-Look Mavericks Roster: Risacher and de Larrea Audition for Roles
Beyond Flagg, the first preseason game gave Dallas fans their first extended look at a heavily revamped roster. Zaccharie Risacher, the former No. 1 overall pick acquired in an offseason trade, started alongside Flagg but was inconsistent — timid and passive in the first half before flashing some encouraging signs in the second, finishing with 9 points and 8 rebounds in 24 minutes.
Spanish guard Sergio de Larrea was one of the true bright spots. He knocked down three consecutive 3-pointers and finished with 11 points and six assists in 23 minutes, showcasing the special playmaking ability he flashed during Summer League. Naji Marshall added 16 points, and two-way rookie Tobi Lawal contributed 13 points in just 15 minutes.
NBA Preseason Injury Watch: Coby White, Max Strus Sidelined
Not every preseason story has been positive. Several key players across the league are nursing injuries heading into the 2026-27 regular season:
Coby White (Charlotte Hornets) – The talented point guard is set to miss all preseason action after suffering a left calf strain. He is currently listed as day-to-day with an eye toward being ready for the regular season opener on October 21.
Max Strus (LA Clippers) – The wing suffered a partial tear of the plantar fascia in his right foot during the Clippers' preseason opener and will be reevaluated in approximately four weeks — a significant blow to a Clippers squad still finding its identity.
De'Aaron Fox (San Antonio Spurs) – Fox is sitting out Thursday's preseason game against the Hawks due to soreness. No long-term concern is expected at this stage.
NBA 2026-27 Opening Night: LeBron's 76ers Debut Headlines Triple-Header on October 20
While the preseason provides early storylines, the entire basketball world is already circling October 20, 2026 — NBA Opening Night. The league has unveiled a blockbuster triple-header broadcast on NBC:
Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons (3:00 PM ET) — The top two Eastern Conference teams from last regular season tip off the year in what could be a playoff preview.
Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (5:30 PM ET) — LeBron James makes his 76ers debut against the defending champion Knicks at Madison Square Garden, joined by Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid in what could become the East's new superteam.
Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs (8:00 PM ET) — A prime-time Western showdown between SGA's Thunder and the rebuilt Spurs featuring De'Aaron Fox and rising star Dylan Harper.
LeBron James credits Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid as the key factors in his decision to sign with Philadelphia. Adding Jaylen Brown alongside James and Embiid makes the Sixers an immediate championship threat and virtually guarantees that the Eastern Conference will be fiercely competitive from night one.
What NBA Fans Should Watch Next
The NBA China Games 2026 continue on Sunday, October 11, at 6:00 AM ET on NBA TV — and this time, Kyrie Irving will be on the court. Expect a vastly different-looking Mavericks team with Kyrie running the offense alongside Flagg.
LeBron James' first preseason games with the 76ers — early reports from training camp indicate sky-high chemistry expectations for the Maxey-Brown-LeBron-Embiid lineup.
Kevin Durant and the Rockets' title aspirations — Houston showed last postseason it can compete with the West's elite, and a fully healthy Durant could make this group a legitimate Finals contender.
Health updates on Coby White and Max Strus — both are critical to their teams' early-season success, and the next few weeks will determine their readiness for Opening Night.
NBA technology experiments — the league is testing smart basketballs and official wrist wearables in select preseason games, potentially setting the stage for the most data-rich season in NBA history.
One game into the 2026-27 NBA preseason, the league is already delivering must-see basketball. Whether you're locked in on LeBron's Philadelphia chapter, rooting for Flagg to become a superstar, or watching the Rockets chase a championship in Kevin Durant's twilight years, this season promises to be unforgettable. The NBA China Games 2026 have given us a tantalizing first look — and the real fireworks are still 11 days away.
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