Rockets vs. Mavericks in China: What to know about NBA China Games 2026
NBA preseason motion has returned to Macao, China, where the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets will play in a two-game collection.
Friday’s opening matchup at The Venetian Arena saw the Mavericks’ offense shine, led by reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, along with sturdy performances from Naji Marshall, Zaccharie Risacher and Max Christie.
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Despite their efforts, the Mavericks fell 135-117 to a seasoned Rockets squad. Houston was led by Kevin Durant, who started his nineteenth NBA season, along with Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson.
Beyond the video games, this preseason journey affords an immersive expertise both on and off the court. The Venetian Arena will become a basketball hub that includes NBA House, an interactive expo that blends music, dwell leisure, fashion and retail experiences to have fun basketball tradition.
Fans will also have the probability to take part in NBA Fan Day on Saturday, Oct. 10, an occasion where they can work together with gamers and take pleasure in performances by prime Asian artists. These festivities set the stage for the second preseason recreation on Sunday, Oct. 11.
Fun NBA media day moments from groups across the league
Dallas Mavericks ahead/heart Daniel Gafford (21) takes a selfie picture during the Mavericks media day at American Airlines Center on Sept. 25, 2026. The 2026-27 NBA season is just around the nook, and the league’s best gamers posed for images during media days. Check out the best.
(Jerome Miron, Imagn Images)
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Fun NBA media day moments from groups across the league
Dallas Mavericks ahead/heart Daniel Gafford (21) takes a selfie picture during the Mavericks media day at American Airlines Center on Sept. 25, 2026. The 2026-27 NBA season is just around the nook, and the league’s best gamers posed for images during media days. Check out the best.
(Jerome Miron, Imagn Images)
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Fun NBA media day moments from groups across the league
San Antonio Spurs RJ Davis poses for images during Media Day at Victory Capital Performance Center in San Antonio, Texas on Sept. 28, 2026.
(Scott Wachter, Imagn Images)
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Fun NBA media day moments from groups across the league
Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets poses for a portrait during Brooklyn Nets Media Day at Brooklyn Nets HSS Training Center on Sept. 28, 2026 in New York City.
(Dustin Satloff, Getty Images)
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Fun NBA media day moments from groups across the league
Portland Trail Blazers heart Yang Hansen (16) during media day on Sept. 28, 2026.
(Troy Wayrynen, Imagn Images)
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Fun NBA media day moments from groups across the league
Los Angeles Clippers ahead Bradley Beal (3) on media day at Intuit Dome on Sept. 28, 2026.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images)
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Fun NBA media day moments from groups across the league
San Antonio Spurs ahead Jayden Quaintance (22) poses for images during Media Day at Victory Capital Performance Center in San Antonio, Texas on Sept. 28, 2026.
(Scott Wachter, Imagn Images)
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Fun NBA media day moments from groups across the league
Indiana Pacers heart Jay Huff (32) poses for a picture during media day on Sept. 28, 2026.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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Fun NBA media day moments from groups across the league
San Antonio Spurs ahead Carter Bryant poses for images during Media Day at Victory Capital Performance Center in San Antonio, Texas on Sept. 28, 2026.
(Scott Wachter, Imagn Images)
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Fun NBA media day moments from groups across the league
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11), guard Mike Conley (45) and ahead/guard Jayson Tatum (0) during media day at Auerbach Center on Sept. 28, 2026.
(David Butler II, Imagn Images)
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Fun NBA media day moments from groups across the league
Indiana Pacers guard Quenton Jackson poses for a picture during media day on Sept. 28, 2026.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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Fun NBA media day moments from groups across the league
The Dallas Mavericks mascots take a selfie picture during the Mavericks media day at American Airlines Center on Sept. 25, 2026.
(Jerome Miron, Imagn Images)
What are the NBA China Games?
The NBA China Games convey two preseason matchups between the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets at The Venetian Arena in Macao on Oct. 9 and 11 at 6 a.m. ET.
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Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA China Games on NBA TV and NBA League Pass.
Why are the Rockets so in style in China?
The Houston Rockets rose to reputation in China largely thanks to Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming. Selected as the No. 1 general choose in the 2002 NBA Draft, Yao spent all 9 seasons with the Rockets before retiring in 2011.
NBA’s other worldwide showcases
This season, the NBA has 5 occasions outside the U.S.
Beyond the doubleheader contests in China and the Canada Game in Quebec City, the NBA’s worldwide calendar options further stops in Mexico City, Paris and Manchester.
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Here is a look at the International showcase schedule (occasions ET)
Oct. 9 and 11: NBA China Games (Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets), 6 a.m.
Nov. 7: NBA Mexico City Game (Denver Nuggets vs. Indiana Pacers), 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 14: NBA Paris Game (New Orleans Pelicans vs. San Antonio Spurs), 2 p.m.
Jan 17: NBA Manchester Game (New Orleans Pelicans vs. San Antonio Spurs), 10:30 a.m.
