Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks 22 October 2026 Prediction

Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks brings together teams with different expectations. With Fred VanVleet back and Kevin Durant in the lineup, Houston is aiming to contend for a title. Dallas is rebuilding around No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg under manager Dusty May. Can the Mavericks score against the Rockets’ defense?

Houston Gets VanVleet Back

Ime Udoka’s team enters the regular season after splitting two preseason games with Dallas in Macau, winning 135-117 and losing 132-115. The Rockets then beat Oklahoma City 116-89 at home, holding the Thunder to 5-for-36 shooting from three.

VanVleet’s return from a knee injury was Houston’s biggest preseason development, and he appears ready for a full workload. His playmaking should ease the offensive burden on Durant and Alperen Sengun. He also adds to a defense that allowed an average of 110 points per game and ranked among the league’s top four in the 2025-26 regular season.

Houston Predicted Lineup: VanVleet, Thompson, Durant, Smith Jr., Sengun

Out: None reported

Manager: Ime Udoka

Dallas Looks for Progress From Flagg

After a disappointing season, the Mavericks changed managers. Dusty May takes charge of a roster featuring two No. 1 overall picks, Flagg and Zaccharie Risacher. Flagg has shown why he was a highly rated prospect, while Risacher has struggled to meet expectations.

“We don’t even know what our starting five will look like yet because we haven’t seen everyone together. That makes it hard to figure out how each lineup will work. But it was good to see Kyrie competing again. He made a lot of great passes and trusted his teammates, and over time that will be a recipe for success,” May said of the preseason.

Kyrie Irving’s return should help Flagg, though the two may need time to build chemistry. For now, a play-in spot looks like a more realistic goal for Dallas.

Dallas Predicted Lineup: Irving, Risacher, Flagg, Washington, Lively

Out: None reported

Manager: Dusty May

Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks Head-to-Head

The home team won all four meetings in the 2025-26 regular season. Houston won 110-102 and 111-107, while Dallas won 122-109 and 110-104. The teams also split their two October games in Asia.

Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction: Houston Rockets Handicap -8.5

Main pick: Houston has more continuity and depth entering the season. Udoka kept his core together, VanVleet is back, and the Rockets beat Oklahoma City by 27 points in their final preseason game. Dallas lost three of its four preseason games. The pick is Houston Rockets -8.5 at 1.81.

Team total pick: Houston pressures the ball and protects the paint well, holding Oklahoma City below 90 points in their recent preseason meeting. Dallas averaged 110 points per game in the preseason and is still building chemistry with Flagg and Irving. The Mavericks have scored fewer than 108 points in each of their last four road games against Houston. The pick is Dallas Mavericks team total under 110.5 at 1.88.