Just six games into the 2025-26 season, it’s time for fans of the Dallas Mavericks (2-4) to adjust some of their expectations for this year. That will be especially true when the Mavs travel to Houston for their first away game of the season on Monday against the Rockets (3-2) at the Toyota Center.

The Rockets lead the NBA in points per game (127.8) and offensive rating (126.5) through their first five games, and they’re third in second-chance points per game (20.0). Kevin Durant (27.2 points, 5.4 rebounds per game) is turning back the hands of time with a young roster around him and Alperen Sangun (22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 7.6 assists per game) has been a revelation in both the low post and from the 3-point line early on this year.

Houston has all the tools to turn Monday’s game again

See Full Page