Mavericks Edge Rockets in Close Contest
Friday, October 30, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · American Airlines Center
Dallas Mavericks 116, Houston Rockets 111, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks?
Dallas Mavericks beat Houston Rockets 116-111 at American Airlines Center on October 30, 2026.
Who was favored in Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks?
Houston Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -198 (about 66% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the American Airlines Center, the Dallas Mavericks narrowly defeated the Houston Rockets with a final score of 116-111. This victory not only showcased the Mavericks' resilience but also tied the season series between the two teams at 1-1. The game was marked by a series of tense moments, particularly in the fourth quarter, where both teams fought hard for every point.
Entering this game, the Mavericks held a home record of 4-2, while the Rockets boasted a strong away record of 5-1. The Mavericks had been on a two-game winning streak, averaging 118.3 points scored and 118.3 points allowed over their last ten games. Their recent form included a commanding win against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 29, where they triumphed 120-96. Conversely, the Rockets were riding a six-game winning streak, averaging 122.8 points scored and 110.4 points allowed in their last ten games, including a decisive 132-100 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks just two days prior.
The Mavericks' performance at home has been solid, with a home record of 3-1 in their last four games. However, they faced challenges earlier in the season, including a loss to the Rockets on October 22, where they fell 110-128. The Rockets, on the other hand, have been dominant on the road, maintaining an impressive away record of 5-0 in their last five games.
In terms of injuries, the Mavericks were missing key players, including Sergio de Larrea, Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberovic, and Dereck Lively II, all sidelined due to various injuries. The Rockets also faced significant absences, with Alperen Sengun, Reed Sheppard, and Steven Adams all out due to injuries. These missing players undoubtedly impacted the strategies employed by both teams.
The odds for the game, provided by DraftKings, favored the Rockets, with a spread of 5.5 points and a total set at 223.5. The moneyline showed the Mavericks at +164 and the Rockets at -198, indicating that the market expected a close contest.
As the game unfolded, the conditions were conducive to a high-paced matchup, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. The fourth quarter was particularly intense, with scoring plays coming down to the wire. Kevin Durant made crucial free throws that brought the Rockets within striking distance, but Kyrie Irving responded with his own free throws to maintain the Mavericks' lead. The final moments saw both teams exchanging free throws, but the Mavericks ultimately held on for the victory.
Viewers were treated to a showcase of talent, with standout performances from both teams. The close score reflected the competitive nature of the game, and the intensity of the rivalry was palpable throughout. The Mavericks' ability to execute under pressure proved vital, while the Rockets, despite the loss, demonstrated their offensive prowess and potential.
Overall, this matchup was a testament to the competitive spirit of the NBA, with both teams striving for supremacy in a tightly contested game. The Mavericks will look to build on this victory, while the Rockets will aim to bounce back in their next outing.
What we said beforehand
The Dallas Mavericks will face the Houston Rockets on October 31, 2026, at the American Airlines Center. This matchup is particularly intriguing as the Rockets currently lead the series 1-0, having defeated the Mavericks 128-110 in their previous encounter on October 22, 2026. The Rockets are riding a strong wave of momentum, boasting an impressive away record of 5-0, while the Mavericks hold a home record of 3-2.
In their last five games, the Mavericks have a record of 3-2, with notable wins against the Indiana Pacers (121-105), Miami Heat (113-109), and Oklahoma City Thunder (120-96). However, they also suffered losses to the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs (122-106). The Mavericks have averaged 114.0 points scored and allowed 112.0 points in their last five games, indicating a competitive scoring dynamic.
Conversely, the Rockets are currently on a six-game winning streak, showcasing their offensive prowess with an average of 123.0 points scored and 108.8 points allowed in their last five games. Their recent victories include a 132-100 win over the Milwaukee Bucks and a 120-110 win against the Atlanta Hawks. This offensive efficiency has propelled them to a remarkable away record, where they have consistently outperformed their opponents.
The Mavericks have had mixed results at home, with a home record of 3-1 in their last four games. They have averaged 118.3 points scored and allowed the same number in their last ten home games, indicating a balance between offense and defense. The Rockets, on the other hand, have excelled on the road, demonstrating their capability to win in challenging environments.
In terms of injuries, the Mavericks will be without Sergio de Larrea, Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberovic, and Dereck Lively II, all of whom are out due to various injuries. The Rockets will also be missing key players, including Alperen Sengun, Reed Sheppard, and Steven Adams, all of whom are sidelined due to injuries as well. The absence of these players could significantly impact both teams' strategies and performance on the court.
The betting market reflects the Rockets' strong form, with DraftKings setting the odds at Houston -5.5. The total points line is set at 223.5, with both the over and under priced at -110. The spread indicates a level of confidence in the Rockets' ability to secure a win, while the total points suggest expectations for a moderately high-scoring game.
As the game approaches, viewers should watch for how the Mavericks respond to their injury challenges and whether they can leverage their home-court advantage. Meanwhile, the Rockets will aim to maintain their winning streak and continue their impressive scoring run. This matchup promises to be a compelling clash as both teams vie for supremacy in the early NBA season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HOU -5.5 | 223.5 o -105 / u -115 | Houston Rockets -198 · Dallas Mavericks +164 |
Injury report
- Sergio de LarreaOutKneeDallas Mavericks
- Santi AldamaOutKneeDallas Mavericks
- Tarik BiberovicOutHeelDallas Mavericks
- Dereck Lively IIOutFootDallas Mavericks
- Alperen SengunOutBackHouston Rockets
- Reed SheppardOutBackHouston Rockets
- Steven AdamsOutCalfHouston Rockets
Leaders
- PointsKyrie Irving35Dallas Mavericks
- AssistsKyrie Irving9Dallas Mavericks
- ReboundsP.J. Washington10Dallas Mavericks
- PointsKevin Durant28Houston Rockets
- AssistsFred VanVleet6Houston Rockets
- ReboundsTari Eason13Houston Rockets
Recent form
Dallas Mavericks
Last 10: 5-5Streak W2118.3 scored · 118.3 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W120-96vs Oklahoma City ThunderOct 29
- W113-109at Miami HeatOct 26
- L106-122vs San Antonio SpursOct 25
- W121-105at Indiana PacersOct 23
- L110-128at Houston RocketsOct 22
- W149-128vs Chicago BullsApr 13
- L120-139at San Antonio SpursApr 11
- L107-112at Phoenix SunsApr 9
- L103-116at LA ClippersApr 8
- W134-128vs Los Angeles LakersApr 5
Houston Rockets
Last 10: 9-1Streak W6122.8 scored · 110.4 allowed per game5-0 away
- W132-100at Milwaukee BucksOct 29
- W120-110vs Atlanta HawksOct 27
- W121-114at Atlanta HawksOct 25
- W114-110at San Antonio SpursOct 24
- W128-110vs Dallas MavericksOct 22
- W132-101vs Memphis GrizzliesApr 13
- L132-136vs Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 11
- W113-102vs Philadelphia 76ersApr 10
- W119-105at Phoenix SunsApr 8
- W117-116at Golden State WarriorsApr 6
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | - | 0 | W5 | 1.000 | 5 |
| Houston | 0.5 | 1 | L1 | .833 | 5 |
| Dallas | 1.5 | 2 | W3 | .667 | 4 |
| San Antonio | 2 | 2 | W3 | .600 | 3 |
| New Orleans | 4 | 4 | W1 | .200 | 1 |
Box score
| Stat | Houston Rockets | Dallas Mavericks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 40-96 | 42-81 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 7-29 | 12-33 |
| Three-point % | 24 | 36 |
| Free throws | 24-33 | 20-27 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 48 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 20 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 29 |
| Assists | 26 | 24 |
| Steals | 12 | 8 |
| Blocks | 3 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 20 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 28 |
| Points in the paint | 46 | 46 |
| Fouls | 23 | 24 |
| Largest lead | 11 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 54 | 34 |
How the scoring went
- 4th Quarter84-80Kyrie Irving makes two point shot (Cooper Flagg assists)
- 4th Quarter85-80Bogdan Bogdanovic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-80Bogdan Bogdanovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-82Kyrie Irving makes 3-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter86-85Kyrie Irving makes 29-foot running pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter88-85Fred VanVleet makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter88-88Caleb Martin makes 23-foot three point jumper (P.J. Washington assists)
- 4th Quarter88-91Kyrie Irving makes 28-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter89-91Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-91Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-93Daniel Gafford makes dunk (Kyrie Irving assists)
- 4th Quarter90-95Caleb Martin makes two point shot (Kyrie Irving assists)
- 4th Quarter92-95Marcus Smart makes 4-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter93-95Clint Capela makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-96Cooper Flagg makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-96Fred VanVleet makes 23-foot three point jumper (Clint Capela assists)
- 4th Quarter96-98Cooper Flagg makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter96-100Cooper Flagg makes 7-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter97-100Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-100Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter100-100Fred VanVleet makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter100-102Kyrie Irving makes 16-foot pullup jump shot (Cooper Flagg assists)
- 4th Quarter100-104Cooper Flagg makes 12-foot driving floating jump shot (Kyrie Irving assists)
- 4th Quarter100-105Cooper Flagg makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter102-105Kevin Durant makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Clint Capela assists)
- 4th Quarter102-107Daniel Gafford makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter103-107Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter105-107Kevin Durant makes 16-foot jumper (Fred VanVleet assists)
- 4th Quarter105-109Cooper Flagg makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter108-109Jabari Smith Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Amen Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter108-110Daniel Gafford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-111Daniel Gafford makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-111Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-111Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-112Kyrie Irving makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-113Kyrie Irving makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-113Amen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-114Cooper Flagg makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter111-115Kyrie Irving makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-116Kyrie Irving makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Dallas Mavericks, below favours Houston Rockets.
Venue
- American Airlines CenterDallas, TX
- Attendance18832
- OfficialsZach Zarba, Ashley Moyer-Gleich, Robert Hussey
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