The Houston Rockets will play host to their in-state rivals this Saturday (Jan. 31) evening as the visiting Dallas Mavericks make the trek to Toyota Center from the northern half of the Lone Star state. The Rockets are sorting out their frontcourt rotation after some bad injury news this week, while the Mavs have plenty of big man injuries of their own to deal with heading into the game.
We expect a Rockets win in this cross-state tilt, but there is always a chance for Dallas to steal a road win given how well their rookie star Cooper Flagg has been playing for them this season.
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Records, standing, and streaks
At present, the Rockets have a 29-17 record, which puts them in the Western Conference standings’ fourth-place slot.
Feb 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie (00) and Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Mavs are the owners of a 19-29 record and a three-game losing streak, good enough for 11th in the West.
What happened in the last game for each team?
Houston beat the Atlanta Hawks 104-86 on the road.
Jan 3, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) lays injured during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Dallas lost to the Charlotte Hornets 123-121 at home.
Injuries
For Houston, Fred VanVleet (ACL) and Steven Adams (ankle) are out.
DALLAS, TEXAS – DECEMBER 06: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets and Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks watch a shot during the second half at American Airlines Center on December 06, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
For Dallas, Anthony Davis (finger), Kyrie Irving (knee), Dante Exum (knee), and Derek Lively II (foot) are out.
Probable starting lineups – Houston
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 03: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets celebrates with Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at Toyota Center on November 03, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Probable starting lineups – Dallas
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Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets vs. Mavs: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (1/31)