The Houston Rockets return to the Toyota Center tonight carrying serious momentum and growing confidence. After three straight wins, Houston sits at 3–2 and looks every bit like a team beginning to click around its new centerpiece, Kevin Durant. Their opponent, the Dallas Mavericks, arrives in search of stability after a shaky 2–4 start and a string of injuries that have disrupted their early-season rhythm. With both teams headed in opposite directions, tonight’s matchup offers a chance to see whether Houston’s surge continues or if Dallas can finally steady the ship.

Yes, Kevin Durant is playing tonight against the Dallas Mavericks. The Rockets superstar is not listed on the team’s injury report and is set to start. Durant has been a force for Houston in the early season.

He is currently averaging 27.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. His presence on the court has been a major factor in the team’s three game winning streak. In their last game, a blowout win against the Boston Celtics, Durant scored 26 points in just three quarters of action.

The Houston Rockets have one key player facing a game time decision. Forward Jabari Smith Jr. is questionable with a right ankle sprain. Smith has started all five games for the Rockets this season.

He averages 15.0 points and 5.2 rebounds per contest. Two other Rockets players are definitively out for the game. Dorian Finney Smith remains out as he recovers from left ankle surgery. Fred VanVleet is also sidelined for the season with an ACL injury.

The Dallas Mavericks injury report is much longer. Star forward Anthony Davis is ruled out with a left calf strain. Center Dereck Lively II will miss his fourth straight game with a right knee sprain. Guard Dante Exum is also out as he manages a right knee injury. Star guard Kyrie Irving remains out long-term following left knee surgery.

Rockets vs Mavs predicted lineups

The predicted starting lineups reflect the current injury situations for both teams.

With Jabari Smith Jr. questionable, Josh Okogie is expected to slide into the starting lineup for Houston. The Rockets will rely on their dominant frontcourt of Durant, Sengun, and Adams.

For the Mavericks, rookie Cooper Flagg is projected to start at forward. With Anthony Davis out, Daniel Gafford is set to start at center. The lineup will feature Klay Thompson and Max Christie in the backcourt.

Where to watch the Rockets vs Mavs game?

• Date: Monday, November 3, 2025

• Time: 8:00 PM Eastern Time / 5:00 PM Pacific Time

• Where to Watch: The game will be broadcast on Space City Home Network and KFAA. Fans can also stream the action live on Fubo.

Predictions for tonight’s Rockets vs Mavs

The Houston Rockets are the overwhelming favorite to win this game. They enter the contest with the top-ranked offense in the entire league. The team also boasts the best point differential after a series of blowout victories.

Given the contrasting trajectories, Houston enters the night as the clear favorite. Durant’s leadership and the Rockets’ balanced attack have transformed them into one of the league’s most efficient offenses, while the Mavericks continue to shuffle rotations in the absence of key players like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. Unless Dallas finds unexpected rhythm from its young core, the Rockets should have the upper hand at home. Expect Houston to extend its winning streak and further cement itself as an early contender in the Western Conference.