Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks NBA 2026-27 opener: Live updates

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant holds up an identification card while posing for photos during Rockets Media Day in Houston, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle) The Houston Rockets open the 2026-27 NBA season tonight against the Dallas Mavericks at Toyota Center. The opener comes with a later tipoff (7:30 p.m.) and amid construction to the arena. Follow our staff for live updates from the first of 82 regular-season games:How to watchWhen/where: 7:30 p.m., Toyota CenterTV/streaming: Space City Home Network and SCHN+.Radio: 790 AM and 101.7 FM (Spanish)Broadcast changeAfter Vanessa Richardson's departure for ESPN last week, the Rockets are not expected to have a sideline reporter on their TV broadcasts until her replacement is in place. So it'll be a two-person broadcast for the interim with play-by-play man Craig Ackerman and analyst Ryan Hollins on Space City Home Network. - Greg RajanCan Rockets make NBA Finals?See how NBA scouts and an executive assess Houston's chances to catch San Antonio and Oklahoma City. - Varun ShankarStandards and stakes are higher for RocketsAfter two straight first-round playoff exits, the standard of success goes up for everybody. "Coaches, players, we're not just trying to make the playoffs," coach Ime Udoka said. "We talked about being competitive and changing the perception in Year One and we did that. So the next steps are to not just make the playoffs but make some noise while you're there." - Varun ShankarStraight shooterMeet the Rockets' new assistant coach, Chip Engelland. He learned attention to details as a ballboy for John Wooden at UCLA. Now, he is bringing those lessons to Houston's young stars as a shooting coach. - Varun ShankarPlayer countdownA look at key Rockets players and what's at stake this season:Kevin DurantAmen ThompsonAlperen ŞengünFred VanVleetJabari Smith Jr.Reed SheppardTari EasonSubscribeThere’s more to Houston with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25¢.This article originally published at Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks NBA 2026-27 opener: Live updates.