Kyrie Irving makes his long-awaited return to NBA action for the Dallas Mavericks against a Houston Rockets time that will look to win their first opening-day game since 2017. The Mavs are looking to bounce back into playoff contention after a difficult 2025-26 campaign that saw them finish 12th in the Western Conference.
The Rockets did much better, finishing fifth in the Western Conference before subsequently losing their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. As far as injuries are concerned, the Mavericks have multiple potential absentees, with Dereck Lively II confirmed to be out for the game due to his right foot surgery.
Lively played just seven games last season and Dallas needs him to emerge as a major interior presence this season. He is joined by the likes of Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberovic and Caleb Martin for the opening game, while Jett Howard is questionable due to right calf tightness.
The Rockets are in much better shape and have listed Steven Adams and Julian Phillips as questionable in the official injury report.
Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Is Dereck Lively II Playing Tonight vs. the Rockets?
The Mavs are headed in a new direction under head coach Dusty May and have made several additions as far as the supporting cast is concerned. However, Lively continues to recover from his right foot surgery and does not yet have a confirmed return date.
Lively is another scorer for the Mavs, but it is his rim protection and rebounding that may prove to be a major miss for Dallas, especially against a team that boasts of stars such as Alperen Sengun, Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson.
His absence means that Daniel Gafford will be the most recognizable big man for Dusty May to rely on. Regardless, he will be hoping that the likes of Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg can start the season on a high. Irving’s return is likely to help Flagg with his scoring, and he will be expected to play at an All-Star level this campaign. Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game last season as per Basketball Reference, and will be hoping to improve all-around.
Regardless, the Mavs have multiple players out, and are up against a team which may as well end up being at full strength. Adams and Phillips have both been listed as questionable, and the Rockets’ coaching staff may as well choose to give them time to play themselves in.
Dallas Mavericks Injury Report
Dereck Lively II: Out (Right foot surgery)
Santi Aldama: Out (Right knee surgery)
Tarik Biberovic: Out (Right heel bursitis)
Article Continues BelowCaleb Martin: Out (Right thumb sprain)
Jett Howard: Questionable (Right calf tightness)
Houston Rockets Injury Report
Steven Adams: Questionable (Right calf tightness/soreness)
Julian Phillips: Questionable (Illness)