2026 NBA China Games Scheduled in Macao Featuring Rockets and Mavericks

The 2026 NBA China Games will take place in Macao, featuring two preseason matchups between the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks. The games are set for October 9 and 11 at The Venetian Arena.

This year marks the 16th iteration of the NBA China Games, which began in 2004 and have included 30 preseason games aimed at promoting basketball globally. The NBA China Games are part of five international showcases scheduled for the upcoming season, which also includes the NBA Canada Games, NBA Mexico City Game, NBA Paris Game, and NBA Manchester Game.

The Rockets and Mavericks will meet on Friday, October 9 at 8 a.m. ET (8 p.m. local Macao time) and again on Sunday, October 11 at 6 a.m. ET (6 p.m. local Macao time). Both games will be live-streamed on NBA TV and NBA League Pass.

In addition to the games, there will be various fan engagement activities. NBA Fan Day, scheduled for October 10, will take place at The Venetian Arena and will include player appearances and performances by popular artists. The NBA House event will run from October 7 to 11, offering an interactive experience combining basketball, music, and entertainment, free of charge at Halls A and B of Cotai Expo. Community Impact Week will also run concurrently from October 7 to 11, featuring outreach activities in local schools and communities.

Tickets for the 2026 NBA China Games and NBA Fan Day are available for purchase online.

Three key storylines heading into the China Games include:

1. The return of point guards Kyrie Irving and Fred VanVleet, both coming back from knee injuries. Irving has not played since March 3, 2025, and VanVleet’s last game was in the previous season due to a torn ACL. Both players are expected to participate in the games.

2. Dallas Mavericks' new head coach Dusty May, who led the University of Michigan to an NCAA title, will be coaching in the NBA for the first time. He will be joined by Cooper Flagg, the reigning Kia Rookie of the Year, marking their initial collaboration in Macao.

3. Kevin Durant begins his 19th NBA season with the Rockets and looks to continue his scoring prowess. As the Rockets feature a mix of seasoned veterans and a young core, the team hopes to combine experience and fresh talent effectively.

The NBA China Games have included various matchups since their inception, with teams like the Rockets, Kings, and Cavaliers participating over the years. Previous games have taken place in cities across China and now continue their tradition in Macao.