Houston Rockets prepare for season opener against Mavericks
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 20, 2026, 12:00 PM
Last updated Oct 20, 2026
The Houston Rockets will face the Dallas Mavericks on October 20, 2026, in their season opener at the Toyota Center. After two consecutive playoff appearances, the team seeks to build on its success under coach Ime Udoka. Key players like Amen Thompson, Alperen Şengün, and Jabari Smith Jr. are crucial to the Rockets' aim to progress further in the postseason. The team emphasizes the need for improvement and competitiveness this season, with expectations heightened following recent core roster adjustments.
- •Rockets play Mavericks at 7:30 p.m. on October 20.
- •Ime Udoka emphasizes the need for competitiveness and growth.
- •Key players include Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün.
- •Rockets aim to advance deeper in the playoffs this season.
- •The team's core has undergone significant changes in recent seasons.
- 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — The standards - and stakes - are higher for the Houston Rockets now | NBA 2026-27 preview
"Houston has reached the point where young players must help the team win. Can Amen Thompson, Alperen Şengün and the rest of the core take the next step?
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