Rockets announce 7 a.m. tip-off for preseason opener

Houston faces Dallas in Macao to open the China Games.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 56m1 min read

October 9th. 7AM tip-off. We’re so back. 🤘 @MemorialHermann | #Rockets https://t.co/Eaq32bXxkX Via @HoustonRockets on X

What happened: The Houston Rockets confirmed a 7 a.m. tip-off for their October 9 return to the court. The matchup marks the beginning of the franchise's preseason exhibition schedule.

Why it matters: The early morning start time accommodates the NBA China Games series in Macao, where Houston will face the Dallas Mavericks. The franchise enters the 2026-27 campaign carrying 50-win expectations.

What to watch: Houston and Dallas will play a second exhibition game in Macao on October 11. Both contests will be broadcast on NBA TV.

Sources

@HoustonRockets 2026-10-08T17:04:50.810647+00:00

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