The Rockets and Mavericks will face each other on Friday and Sunday at the Venetian Arena in Macau.
NBA preseason basketball returns to Macau for the second consecutive year with the 2026 NBA China Games. An exciting week of on-court action and off-court fan experiences will conclude with the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks playing preseason games in Macau on October 9 and 11.
What are the NBA China Games?
This year’s event marks the 16th NBA China Games, which began in 2004 and features 30 NBA preseason games to grow the game globally.
The NBA China Games is one of five international showcases on the NBA calendar this upcoming season as well nba canada games 2026 (October 3 and 10), nba mexico city game (November 7), nba paris game (January 14), and nba manchester game (January 17).
When are the NBA China Games 2026?
The two preseason games between the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks will take place on Friday, October 9 (8 am ET / 8 pm local Macau time) and Sunday, October 11 (6 am ET / 6 pm local Macau time).
Where will the NBA China Games 2026 be played?
For the second consecutive year, both games will be held at the Venice Arena in Macau. The venue will also host NBA Fan Day on Saturday, October 10.
How can I watch the NBA China Games 2026?
Both games will be available to watch live nba tv And nba league pass.
Is there any programming outside of official preseason games?
In addition to the two games, the NBA and the Sands will host interactive fan events including NBA House and NBA Fan Day, youth basketball clinics and a Community Impact Week featuring social impact programming focused on health, wellness and sustainability.
NBA Fan Day (October 10): Held at the Venice Arena, NBA Fan Day features appearances and interactions with NBA players and performances by popular Asian artists, giving fans an up-close experience of the energy and excitement of the NBA.
NBA House (Oct. 7-11): Free and open to the public in Halls A and B of the Cotai Expo at Venice Macao, NBA House brings together basketball, music and entertainment, fashion and retail, interactive technology and exclusive dining offerings in a five-day celebration for residents and visitors.
Community Impact Week (October 7-11): Events were held at venues across Macau throughout the week involving local schools and community groups.
Where can I buy tickets for the NBA China Games 2026?
You can buy tickets for this year’s NBA China Games and NBA Fan Day Here.
What are the three key storylines to know entering this matchup?
1. Two point guards returning from knee injuries: It has been 19 months since Kyrie Irving last suited up for the Mavericks, after suffering a left ACL injury on March 3, 2025. It’s been just over 12 months since Fred VanVleet missed all of last season due to a torn right ACL on September 22, 2025.
According to coaches Dusty May (Dallas) and Ime Udoka (Houston), both point guards are expected to participate in one of the two China Games in Macau. Irving and VanVleet each bring leadership, playmaking, clutch shot-making and championship pedigree — having won titles with Cleveland in 2016 and Toronto (in 2019), respectively.
2. Year 2 of Cooper Flag and Year 1 of May: After leading the University of Michigan to an NCAA title, May took his first NBA coaching job with Dallas. Making that transition easier is Cooper Flagg, the reigning KIA Rookie of the Year, who made a seamless jump from Duke to the NBA last season at age 19. In May, the Mavs hope to have their franchise player and head coach for years to come. We will see their first action together in Macau.
3. Kevin Durant and the Rockets’ young core: Durant is set to begin his 19th NBA season and second with the Rockets. The league’s fifth all-time leading scorer shows no signs of slowing down, averaging more than 25 points for a 17th season in 2025-26.
While the Rockets have experienced players like Durant, VanVleet, Steven Adams, Clint Capela (13th) and Marcus Smart (13th), the core of the team remains young. With rising stars like Alperen Sengun (24), Amen Thompson (23), Jabari Smith Jr. (23) and Reid Shepard (22) all under the age of 25, the Rockets have the foundation for a bright future with their continued development.
Can Durant and other vets help make the present just as bright?
Which teams have played in the NBA China Games in past years?
• 2004: Rockets 88, Kings 86 (October 14, Shanghai), Kings 91, Rockets 89 (October 17, Beijing)
• 2007: : Magic 90, Cavaliers 86 (October 17, Shanghai), Magic 100, Cavaliers 84 (October 20, Macau)
• 2008: : Bucks 98, Warriors 94 (October 15, Guangzhou), Warriors 109, Bucks 108 (October 17, Beijing)
• 2009: : Pacers 126, Nuggets 104 (October 8, Taipei), Nuggets 128, Pacers 112 (October 11, Beijing)
• 2010: : Rockets 91, Nets 81 (October 13, Beijing), Rockets 95, Nets 85 (October 16, Guangzhou)
• 2012: : Heat 94, Clippers 80 (October 11, Beijing), Clippers 99, Heat 89 (October 14, Shanghai)
• 2013: : Warriors 100, Lakers 95 (October 15, Beijing), Warriors 115, Lakers 89 (October 18, Shanghai)
• 2014: : Nets 97, Kings 95 (October 12, Shanghai), Nets 129, Kings 117 (OT) (October 15, Beijing)
• 2015: : Hornets 106, Clippers 94 (October 11, Shenzhen), Hornets 113, Clippers 71 (October 14, Shanghai)
• 2016: : Rocket 123, Pelican 117 (October 9, Shanghai), Rocket 116, Pelican 104 (October 12, Beijing)
• 2017: : Timberwolves 111, Warriors 95 (October 5, Shenzhen), Warriors 142, Timberwolves 110 (October 8, Shanghai)
• 2018: : 76ers 120, Mavericks 114 (October 5, Shanghai), Mavericks 115, 76ers 112 (October 8, Shenzhen)
• 2019: : Nets 114, Lakers 111 (October 10, Shanghai), Nets 91, Lakers 77 (October 12, Shenzhen)
• 2025: SUN 132, NET 127 (OT) (October 10, Macau), NET 111, SUN 109 (October 12, Macau)