The Dallas Mavericks head to Houston for a high‑stakes Southwest Division matchup between two teams trending upward. Dallas has won three of its last four behind elite offensive efficiency and improved defensive cohesion. Houston, meanwhile, continues to surprise the league with its young core, winning four of its last five and climbing into the Western Conference’s top six.
With both teams playing some of their best basketball of the season, this late‑January showdown carries major implications for playoff seeding and division bragging rights.
Game Details
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Toyota Center — Houston, Texas
TV/Streaming: AT&T SportsNet Southwest, Bally Sports Southwest; NBA League Pass
Odds: Mavericks -2.5 | O/U 236.5 | Moneyline: DAL -145, HOU +120
Team Form & Recent Results
Dallas Mavericks Recent Form
- Won three of their last four
- Offense averaging 121.3 PPG over that stretch
- Top‑10 in FG% and top‑5 in offensive rating in January
- Flagg is averaging 17.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists over his last five games. He’s also adding 1.4 steals and 0.4 blocks per game while shooting 44.9% from the field and 25% from three.
Houston Rockets Recent Form
- Won four of their last five
- Defense is allowing just 110.2 PPG in that span
- Young core showing major growth, especially in late‑game execution
- Alperen Şengün is averaging 23.1 PPG, 11.2 RPG in his last five
Key Storylines
- Battle of elite playmakers: Cooper Flagg vs. Jalen Green/Şengün’s two‑man game
- Houston’s defensive surge: Can they slow down Dallas’ high‑powered offense?
- Southwest Division stakes: Both teams jockeying for top‑six positioning
- Pace vs. control: Dallas thrives in half‑court efficiency; Houston pushes tempo
Players to Watch
Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg — Playing at an MVP‑level pace, controlling tempo, and scoring at will.
Houston Rockets
Alperen Şengün — Houston’s offensive hub, dominating the paint and facilitating from the high post.
Matchup Breakdown
Offense vs. Defense
Dallas enters as one of the league’s most efficient offensive teams, ranking top‑10 in FG% and top‑5 in offensive rating. Their half‑court execution, spacing, and Flagg’s ability to manipulate defenses make them difficult to contain. Houston’s defense has improved significantly, especially in rim protection and switching, but it has struggled against elite pick‑and‑roll creators: a dangerous sign against the rookie phenom.
Houston’s offense thrives on pace, ball movement, and attacking mismatches. Şengün’s interior scoring and playmaking force defenses to collapse, opening lanes for shooters. Dallas’ defense has improved, but it can be vulnerable in transition, an area Houston will look to exploit.
Coaching / Strategy Notes
Dallas will likely slow the pace, lean heavily on Flagg in pick‑and‑roll actions, and force Houston to defend deep into the shot clock. Expect plenty of mismatches created through switches and off‑ball movement.
Houston will try to speed the game up, attack early in the clock, and use Şengün as a facilitator to keep Dallas’ defense rotating. Expect Houston to pressure Dallas’ secondary scorers and force the ball out of Flagg’s hands when possible.
Prediction
Prediction: Dallas Mavericks 121, Houston Rockets 116
Dallas’s offensive consistency and Flagg’s late‑game mastery give them the edge in what should be a competitive, high‑scoring matchup. Houston’s young core will keep it close, but Dallas’ experience and half‑court execution tilt the game in their favor.
How to Watch
TV channel/Local broadcasts: AT&T SportsNet Southwest, Bally Sports Southwest
Streaming: NBA League Pass
Radio: Mavericks Radio Network, Rockets Radio Network
FAQ
Q: What time is the Mavericks vs. Rockets game?
A: Tip‑off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.
Q: Who is favored to win?
A: Dallas is favored at -2.5 on the spread.
Q: Where is the game being played?
A: At Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Q: What are the betting odds?
A: Mavericks -145, Rockets +120, O/U 236.5.
Conclusion
Dallas enters this matchup with one of the league’s hottest offenses, while Houston continues to impress with its defensive growth and young talent. Expect a fast‑paced, high‑scoring game with playoff‑level intensity. Houston has the tools to pull off an upset at home, but Dallas’ experience and elite half‑court execution make them the safer pick heading into Saturday night.
