| MATCHUP | Dallas Mavericks | Houston Rockets |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Spread | +9.5 -115 | -9.5 -105 |
| Moneyline | +285 | -360 |
| Total | Over 229.5 (-105) | Under 229.5 (-115) |
| Where | Toyota Center (Houston), Houston, TX | |
| When | Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:30 PM EDT | |
| TV | NBA League Pass | |
Dallas Mavericks Betting Preview
The Mavericks have missed the playoffs in 3 of the last 4 seasons and begin the Dusty May era. It’s going to be an interesting year in Dallas, to say the least.
The Mavs added Zaccharie Risacher, which was a solid move, and they said goodbye to Klay Thompson. Seeing the growth of Cooper Flagg will be key to the Mavs’ success, while the return of Kyrie Irving is a sight for sore eyes. The Mavs do have possibly the deepest front court in the league in P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively, and Daniel Gafford. The Mavericks are better than they were a season ago and could be play-in good if things start to click. There are pieces here. However, there’s also a new coaching staff and starting point guard who hasn’t played in ages.
Houston Rockets Betting Preview
The Rockets are coming off back-to-back playoff trips and enter year four under coach Ime Udoka. The Rockets are still looking for their first playoff series win since the 2019-20 season.
The Rockets got better with the additions of Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic, while the return of Fred VanVleet is an addition in itself. Guys like Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith continue to make strides while Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun anchor the core with all-star caliber play. From a roster standpoint, the Rockets can go toe to toe with most teams in the league. It’s just about playing their best ball when it matters and managing an old Durant so he can continue later in the season. Rockets still feel like the overlooked team in the West that could actually be a top four team in the conference if they play to their potential.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The favorites have won each of the last 10 games between the Mavericks and Rockets at Toyota Center.
- The Mavericks have lost 11 of their last 12 road games against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Mavericks have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games against Southwest Division opponents.
- The favorites have covered the spread in three of the Mavericks’ last four games.
Why the Dallas Mavericks will win
- The Rockets have lost each of their last five season openers as favorites.
- The road team has won three of the Rockets’ last four games.
- The Mavericks have covered the spread in each of their last four games as underdogs against the Rockets.
- The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six home openers as favorites.
Total Points Facts
- Six of the Rockets’ last seven home games against Western Conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Mavericks’ last three season openers as underdogs have gone UNDER the total points line.
Dallas Mavericks vs Houston Rockets Injury Report
The Mavericks will be without Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberovic, Dereck Lively, and Caleb Martin. Jett Howard is questionable with calf tightness.
Steven Adams is questionable for the Rockets with calf tightness. Julian Phillips is questionable with an illness.
Dallas Mavericks vs Houston Rockets Prediction
The Rockets are the more talented team and should be favored at home. The Mavericks are also banged up entering this contest. Still, this line is a bit rich for a season opener when guys are still getting their feet under them. The Mavs are better than they were last year with the additions they made and the return of Kyrie. Even with their struggles last season, the Mavs covered all four games against the Rockets and have covered 7 of their last 10 meetings against their in-state rival overall. I want the points with the Mavericks.