Season Opener and Roster Restructuring
The Dallas Mavericks open their regular-season campaign on Wednesday night against the Houston Rockets at 7:30 p.m. CST, highlighted by the much-anticipated return of veteran guard Kyrie Irving. Irving is returning to competitive play after missing the entirety of the 2025-26 campaign due to a torn ACL suffered at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. According to NBC 5 DFW, the Mavericks enter the matchup following a turbulent 26-56 season that included a 4-12 record in Southwest Division play. Last season, Dallas averaged 114.1 points per game, alongside 52.8 points in the paint, 15.9 points off turnovers, and 17.8 on fast breaks. The team also wrapped up a preseason slate that saw them go 1-3, which notably included their first two exhibition games against Houston played in Macao, China.
The matchup brings significant roster changes for Dallas, which appointed first-time NBA head coach Dusty May. May previously won a National Championship at Michigan alongside rookie Morez Johnson Jr., one of four newcomers added alongside Spanish guard Sergio de Larrea. Offseason roster turnover also saw veteran center Dwight Powell waived, while veteran guard Klay Thompson departed for Miami. Furthermore, the franchise underwent a front-office overhaul, hiring former Toronto Raptors NBA champion executive Masai Ujiri to replace Nico Harrison, who was dismissed roughly a year ago following the high-profile trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Opponent Outlook and Betting Lines
The hosting Houston Rockets enter the contest under strong expectations following a 52-30 overall record and a 10-6 mark in Southwest Division play last season. Under the leadership of Kevin Durant, the Rockets averaged 115.2 points per game while holding opponents to 110.0 points. According to NBC 5 DFW, oddsmakers have installed Houston as an 8.5-point favorite, with the over/under total set at 229.5 points. The Rockets listed no players on their initial injury report for the opening night fixture.
Conversely, the Mavericks will face early-season depth hurdles, playing without forward Santi Aldama, who is sidelined with a knee injury, and center Dereck Lively II, who remains out due to a foot injury. Reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, who recorded averages of 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists during his debut campaign, will take the floor for Dallas alongside Irving as the team attempts to bounce back from last year’s struggles.
Franchise Transition and Upcoming Schedule
Beyond the hardwood, the Mavericks organization is managing several long-term structural and facility transitions. The franchise recently unveiled a newly renovated practice facility near the Design District and is actively developing plans for a new arena when their lease at the American Airlines Center expires in 2031. To facilitate that future, the team entered into option agreements to potentially acquire approximately 104 acres at the former Valley View Mall site in North Dallas.
Following Wednesday’s opener in Houston, the Mavericks will return home for their home opener on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs, who opened their schedule against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dallas fans can also look forward to extensive broadcast coverage this season, including 10 nationally televised games on NBC and Peacock, as well as official watch parties hosted at local venues across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.