Rockets, Mavs to play preseason games in Macao

The Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets will play two preseason games in Macao in October as part of the NBA China Games 2026.

The games are scheduled for Oct. 9 and 11 at The Venetian Arena.

The NBA and co-sponsor Sands China Ltd. also will hold various fan events and programs focusing on health and wellness during the week of the games.

Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont is the chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands, which runs several resorts in Asia, including The Venetian Macao.

"The success of The NBA China Games 2025 demonstrated the strength of the NBA in creating fan engagement and exciting experiences around the globe," Dumont said. "The NBA China Games 2026 will be another great opportunity to showcase the league, its world-class athletes and the excitement it brings."

The Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets dueled in the event last year, played at the same site. The 2026 version will be the 16th iteration of the NBA China Games.