S³ | NBA PRESEASON

NBA PRESEASON | OCTOBER 11, 2026

DALLAS 132 | HOUSTON 115

With the 2026–27 NBA regular season just over a week away, the Dallas Mavericks continued their preseason preparations with an impressive 132–115 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Kyrie Irving contributed 17 points in just 22 minutes, shooting 6-of-13 from the field and connecting on two three-pointers.

Second-year forward Cooper Flagg added 14 points in 25 minutes, while Zacharie Risacher finished with 16 points.

Dallas received balanced offensive production throughout its lineup, an encouraging development as the Mavericks work toward establishing their regular-season rotation.

Houston Without Kevin Durant

The Rockets played without Kevin Durant (DNP), leaving veteran guard Marcus Smart to lead Houston offensively.

Smart finished with 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including four three-pointers. Reed Sheppard contributed 17 points, while Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. each added 14.

Houston continues to evaluate its supporting cast ahead of a season in which expectations will be considerably higher.

S³ Analysis | The Countdown Is On

The Mavericks have an intriguing combination of established veteran talent and emerging young players.

Having Kyrie Irving available alongside Cooper Flagg gives Dallas an opportunity to establish offensive chemistry before the games begin counting in the standings.

For Houston, the biggest question isn't preseason wins and losses. It's how effectively the Rockets can integrate Kevin Durant into an offense featuring several young, developing players.

With opening night scheduled for October 20, teams are entering the final stages of preseason evaluation.

The rotations are taking shape, veterans are getting their minutes, and younger players are competing for opportunities.

The preseason is nearly over. The real basketball is coming.