The Dallas Mavericks (19-29) face the Houston Rockets (29-17) in a Southwest Division rivalry game. The Mavericks, 12th in the Western Conference, are on a three-game losing streak and dealing with significant injuries, including star big man Anthony Davis, as they try to snap a skid against a surging Rockets team. Houston, fourth in the West, has won seven of their last 10 and boasts a strong home record (16-4), aiming to extend their dominance in the series this season. This is the fourth meeting of the 2025-26 season, with Dallas winning two of the first three, including a 110-104 victory on Jan. 3. Expect Houston’s balanced attack to overwhelm Dallas’ depleted lineup, but the Mavericks’ rookie sensation Cooper Flagg could keep it competitive if he replicates his recent 49-point outburst.
Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. PT)
TV/Streaming: ABC, SCHN, KFAA, NBA League Pass
Recent Team Forms
The Mavericks are in a slump, losing three straight with poor shooting (43.2% FG in losses). The Rockets have won seven of 10, with strong home performances averaging 118 points.
Mavericks (4-6 in last 10): Dallas averages 110.2 points scored and 116.4 allowed. They’ve dropped three in a row, including a 121-123 loss to Charlotte (Jan. 29) despite Cooper Flagg’s 49 points. Wins include 110-104 over Houston (Jan. 3) and 118-105 over Minnesota (Jan. 23), but road offense has dipped (102 PPG in last five away)
Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Jan 29 | vs CHA | L | 121-123 |
| Jan 28 | vs MIN | L | 105-118 |
| Jan 26 | vs GSW | L | 111-123 |
| Jan 25 | vs GSW | W | 111-85 |
| Jan 23 | @ MIN | W | 118-105 |
Rockets (7-3 in last 10): Houston averages 115.6 points scored and 110.8 allowed. They’ve won their last game over Atlanta (Jan. 29), with wins like 132-116 over Indiana (Jan. 26) and 104-95 over San Antonio (Jan. 25). Losses include 104-110 to Dallas (Jan. 3), but home defense shines (102 GA/G in last five home)
Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Jan 29 | @ ATL | W | 123-121 |
| Jan 28 | vs CHA | W | 112-97 |
| Jan 26 | vs IND | W | 132-116 |
| Jan 25 | vs SAS | W | 104-95 |
| Jan 23 | @ TOR | W | 106-103 |
Injury Report
Injuries severely impact Dallas, thinning their frontcourt and backcourt.
Mavericks:
Anthony Davis (PF, left finger sprain): Out
Kyrie Irving (SG, left knee surgery): Out indefinitely
Dereck Lively II (C, right foot surgery): Out
Dante Exum (PG, right knee surgery): Out
Naji Marshall (SF, rest): Day-to-day
Moussa Cisse (C, G League – Two-Way): Probable
Rockets:
Steven Adams (C, left ankle surgery): Out for season
Fred VanVleet (PG, right knee ACL repair): Out for season
Tristen Newton (G, G League – Two-Way): Out
Projected starters: Cooper Flagg (DAL rookie) steps up with injuries; Alperen Sengun leads Houston.
Key Player Matchups
Dallas’ youth movement faces Houston’s veteran core, with injuries shifting the balance.
Cooper Flagg (Mavericks SF) vs. Jabari Smith Jr. (Rockets PF): Flagg (rookie phenom, 19.5 PPG, recent 49-point game) brings athleticism; Smith (15.5 PPG, 8 RPG) must contain him inside
P.J. Washington (Mavericks PF) vs. Dillon Brooks (Rockets SF): Washington (15 PPG) provides spacing; Brooks (defensive specialist, 12 PPG) exploits mismatches.
Klay Thompson (Mavericks SG, if available) vs. Cam Whitmore (Rockets SG): Thompson (knee soreness, sat recent) vs. Whitmore (emerging scorer).
Matchup to Watch: Mavericks’ perimeter shooting (37% 3PT) vs. Rockets’ defense (top-10 in opponent 3PT%).
Series History
The Rockets hold a slight all-time regular-season edge: 106-98 over the Mavericks. In playoffs, Dallas leads 2-1 series. Recently, Mavericks are 5-5 in the last 10, including a 110-104 win on Jan. 3. At Toyota Center, Rockets are 58-43 all-time vs. Dallas. Games average 207.8 points in the last 10, with the under hitting in six
Betting Trends
Rockets 5-8 ATS as 10.5+ favorites; Mavericks 3-2 ATS as 11+ underdogs. Over has hit in 6 of Houston’s last 9; Under in 4 of Dallas’ last 5 road games. Houston 6-3 ATS in last 9 home; Dallas 1-10 ATS in last 11 road. Rockets 4-1 ATS vs. Southwest opponents
Game Odds
Dallas Mavericks 222.5
Houston Rockets – 10.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 30, 2026
