Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks prepare for NBA Cup matchup

The Houston Rockets, currently undefeated at 5-0, are set to face the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night at the American Airlines Center for an NBA Cup Group Play game. The Rockets enter the contest without Alperen Sengun, who has been ruled out due to low back soreness, though Marcus Smart is expected to return.

The Mavericks hold a 3-2 record following a recent 120-96 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. That game featured 26 points and eight assists from Cooper Flagg, while Kyrie Irving scored 15 points in his first regular-season home game since recovering from a torn ACL. Dallas will be without Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberovic, and Sergio De Larrea, while Naji Marshall is listed as questionable.

Both teams face significant roster challenges. The Rockets are also managing the absence of Steven Adams and Reed Sheppard, while the Mavericks look to build momentum after their recent win against a depleted Thunder squad.