HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 21: Morez Johnson Jr. #14 of the Dallas Mavericks plays defense during the game against the Houston Rockets on October 21, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images Kirk Henderson Fri, October 30, 2026 at 11:00 PM UTC · 3 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dallas Mavericks (3-2) host the Houston Rockets (5-0) in the first game of NBA Cup Group Play on Friday night. The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a dominating win on Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Rockets are undefeated through five games, most recently dismantling the Milwaukee Bucks by over 30 points. This is the first game of Group Play for the NBA Cup. Here is what else you need to know!
WHERE: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
As of the 3pm CST injury report, Dallas will be without what's become the regular group of guys. Santi Aldama and Tarik Biberovic are listed as doubtful, which all but rules them out. It is a positive change from the usual "out", but they still won't play. Sergio De Larrea will miss the game with his knee sprain. Naji Marshall is questionable after missing the last two games due to illness.
For the Rockets, Steven Adams and Reed Shepard will miss this game due to injury. Alperen Sengun and Marcus Smart are both listed as questionable for this game.
It's difficult for me to give an assessment here on what might happen. Houston is the better team, one of the last two undefeated teams in the league, but Dallas has been punchy since losing to the Rockets in game one. Adams being out gives Dallas a better chance, but the Mavericks must play better defense on Kevin Durant. If Durant has an off game and Flagg and Kyrie play well, Dallas has a very good chance. Either way, this team has become must watch TV.
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Source: Sports
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