For the second straight year and the third time overall, Macau will host an NBA preseason matchup between the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks this October.
Macau is set to witness a Texas showdown on the global stage.
Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets take on top overall pick Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks in two preseason games as part of the NBA China Games 2026.
The teams will meet twice on October 9 and 11 at the Venetian Arena, marking the third time the city has hosted international NBA action.
Macau previously welcomed the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns last year, and the Orlando Magic defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers there in 2007.
“The games in Macau earlier this season showed how much passion and enthusiasm there is for the NBA among fans in China and across Asia,” said NBA deputy commissioner and COO Mark Tatum.
He added: “We look forward to welcoming the Mavericks and Rockets to Macau and to once again engaging fans, aspiring players, and the local community through the games and surrounding events.”
As of the moment, the Rockets are off to a strong 22–11 start , powered by Durant, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson. Houston’s most recent highlight came with a Durant game-winner against his former team, the Phoenix Suns.
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The Mavericks, meanwhile, are struggling at 13–23 and outside the playoff and play-in picture despite the presence of Flagg and veterans Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson.
Star Kyrie Irving remains sidelined as he recovers from an ACL injury sustained last year.
The preseason games also mark a step in the league's continued efforts to engage fans in Asia following a 2019 rift with China over political comments from then-Rockets GM Daryl Morey.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.