Dallas Mavericks open NBA Cup group play against the Houston Rockets on Oct. 30 at the American Airlines Center, marking the first game of the Emirates NBA Cup.
What is the NBA Cup schedule?
The NBA released the Cup schedule on Wednesday as part of the full 2026‑27 calendar. Dallas will host two games and travel for two more in West Group A, which includes Denver, Houston, Phoenix and Utah. All match times are Central. The only national TV window so far is the Nov. 24 game in Denver, carried by NBC with a Peacock simulcast. Cup play runs from Oct. 30 through Nov. 27, with most games on Fridays and extra Cup Nights on Tue. Nov. 24 and Wed. Nov. 25. Each team plays four group games; the six group winners advance, and two wild‑cards join the knockout round.
How did the Mavericks perform last season's Cup?
In the 2025‑26 NBA Cup, Dallas finished 1‑3 in West Group B. They opened with a 118‑104 loss at Memphis on Nov. 7, then fell 133‑127 in double overtime to the LA Clippers. Their sole win came on Nov. 21, a 118‑115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. A 129‑119 road loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Nov. 28 closed their Cup run. The Mavericks missed the knockout stage, underscoring the need for a fresh start this year.
Who are the key players and what changes are expected?
The Mavericks enter the season with Cooper Flagg back after posting 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 70 rookie games. Drafted No. 1 in 2025, Flagg earned Rookie of the Year and will be 19 at the season’s start, turning 20 on Dec. 21. Kyrie Irving could also return after missing all of last season, adding veteran scoring and playmaking depth. Head coach Jason Kidd will look to blend the new talent with veteran leadership to improve on the 26‑56 record that left the team 12th in the West.
What does recent form suggest?
The Mavericks’ recent form has been shaky, posting a 1W‑0D‑4L streak (WLLLL) in their last five games, highlighted by a dominant 149‑128 win over the Chicago Bulls on Apr. 13, 2026. That victory shows the offensive firepower the team hopes to carry into the Cup opener.
What comes after the group stage?
If Dallas advances, the quarterfinals will be held Dec. 4‑5 in the participating teams’ markets, followed by semifinals on Dec. 8‑9. The championship game moves to Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Dec. 11, the first final held outside Las Vegas. Prime Video will stream every knockout‑round game. The New York Knicks captured the 2025 NBA Cup, beating the San Antonio Spurs in Las Vegas, and later defeated the Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals.
How does the preseason shape up?
Dallas will meet the Rockets twice in Macau at The Venetian Arena on Oct. 9 and Oct. 11, marking the Mavericks’ first games in China since the 2018‑19 preseason. They return to the American Airlines Center for preseason matchups against New Orleans on Oct. 14 and the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 16. The regular season kicks off on Oct. 20, giving the team a short window to fine‑tune rotations before the Cup begins.
Why the NBA Cup matters for Dallas?
Cup games count toward regular‑season standings, except for the championship game. A strong showing can boost the Mavericks’ win‑total early and provide valuable experience for Flagg and Irving. With a revamped roster and a schedule that pits them against strong Western Conference foes, Dallas aims to improve on last year’s 26‑56 record and climb the West standings.
What should fans watch for?
Fans should keep an eye on Flagg’s transition from rookie to a core contributor, Irving’s minutes and impact, and how head coach Jason Kidd adjusts the pick‑and‑roll and perimeter defense against a high‑scoring Rockets squad. The opening Cup game will set the tone for a season that could see the Mavericks return to playoff contention.
