Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks Picks and Predictions for Friday, October 30, 2026

Houston heads to Dallas on Friday with a perfect 5-0 record after beating Milwaukee 132-100 on Wednesday. The Rockets lead the Southwest Division and sit first in the Western Conference. Dallas has won two straight, including Wednesday's 120-96 victory over Oklahoma City, improving to 3-2 and fourth in the Southwest. Friday's game is part of NBA Cup group play, with the result also counting toward regular-season records. Tipoff is at 8:00 pm ET at American Airlines Center on NBA League Pass. See our free NBA picks for more Friday matchups.

Houston Rockets Have Yet to Lose

Nobody has beaten Houston this season, and Milwaukee wasn't particularly close Wednesday. The Rockets won by 32 points, their largest margin so far. Houston had previously beaten Atlanta twice, winning 121-114 on the road and 120-110 at home. There was also a 114-110 victory in San Antonio and a 128-110 home win against Dallas to open the season. The Rockets have scored at least 120 points in four of five games, and their 3-0 road record suggests they won't be uncomfortable playing in Dallas.

Alperen Sengun has averaged 24.5 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in four appearances, although he's questionable for Friday. Kevin Durant is contributing 23.5 points while shooting 53.7% from the field. Amen Thompson has added 17 points and nine rebounds per game. Houston has shot 50.9% overall and is averaging 28.5 assists. Fred VanVleet has helped distribute the ball, averaging seven assists and just 0.7 turnovers. If Sengun cannot play, Durant and Thompson will have more responsibility against Dallas.

Injuries: Steven Adams is out. Alperen Sengun and Marcus Smart are questionable.

Dallas Mavericks Looking to Build on Recent Wins

Dallas has put together two wins since losing to San Antonio, with the latest coming against Oklahoma City on Wednesday. The Mavericks held the Thunder to 96 points in a 120-96 victory, having beaten Miami 113-109 on Monday. Their other win came at Indiana, 121-105, while Houston handed Dallas a 128-110 defeat on opening night. The Mavericks have scored at least 110 points in four of five games. Friday's meeting gives them a chance to avenge that earlier loss in front of their home crowd.

Cooper Flagg is averaging 25 points and shooting 56.5%. He's also collecting 3.7 steals and handing out 6.3 assists, although his four turnovers per game have been costly. Kyrie Irving has contributed 19 points per outing, while P.J. Washington is averaging 15.5 points and 7.5 rebounds. Dallas has connected on 49.6% of its field goals, but the Mavericks are giving the ball away 17.3 times per game. That needs to improve against a Houston team averaging nearly 10 steals.

Injuries: Dereck Lively II is out. Sergio de Larrea, Naji Marshall, Tarik Biberovic and Santi Aldama are questionable.

Key To The Game

The biggest question for Houston is Sengun's availability. He's been one of the Rockets' main scorers and playmakers, and his absence would change the matchup inside. Dallas has its own concerns, particularly with Lively unavailable. The Mavericks also have to protect the basketball after averaging 17.3 turnovers. Houston has been the stronger rebounding team, grabbing 45.3 boards compared with Dallas' 43. Flagg and Irving give the Mavericks plenty of scoring ability, but keeping Durant from finding comfortable shots will be difficult.

Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks Game Pick

• Houston Rockets

Houston won the first meeting by 18 points, and I don't see enough reason to change sides Friday. The Rockets have started 5-0, including three victories away from home. Dallas has improved defensively in its last two games, especially against Oklahoma City, but Houston is shooting nearly 51% from the field. Kevin Durant has been scoring 23.5 points per game, while Amen Thompson is contributing at both ends. Sengun's status needs watching, but I still expect the Rockets to get the win.

Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks Over/Under Pick

• Over

The Rockets scored 128 in their first meeting with Dallas, and Wednesday's 132-point performance against Milwaukee was their highest total yet. Dallas has reached 113 points in three of its last four games, including 120 against Oklahoma City. Both teams are making close to half their field goal attempts, although the Mavericks have struggled with turnovers. Houston's defense has created plenty of steals, and those extra chances could add to the scoring. I'm expecting another busy night offensively from both teams. Over is the pick.