NBA2 hours ago2 minute read

Mavs and Rockets Bond and Break Rims on Preseason China Trip

The Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets are in Macao, China, for a preseason doubleheader, bonding off the court and meeting fans.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Off Court Fun in Macao

The Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets have traveled across the globe for a preseason doubleheader in Macao, China. The teams are playing at the Venetian Arena on October 9 and October 11. This trip marks the second time NBA teams have played in the gambling hub, following a visit by the Suns and Nets last season.

After a flight that lasted over 20 hours, players quickly got to work exploring the city and bonding. Rockets center Steven Adams gave fans an inside look at his hotel room, showing off a fruit bowl and a Rockets themed pillow. He and teammate Bogdanovic also visited the historic ruins of Saint Paul's and sampled local street food.

Meanwhile, a group of Mavericks players including Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin, Dwight Powell, and Sergio de Larrea took a one hour ferry ride to visit Victoria Peak in Hong Kong.

Fan Love and Broken Rims

The local fans showed massive support for stars like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Both teams posed for group photos near the water with the Venetian Macao in the background, drawing large crowds.

There was also plenty of action during practices. Mavericks forward Naji Marshall managed to break both a chair and a rim. Marshall signed the broken rim before the team collected it. "I'm too strong and I've got too much power," Marshall said about the incident.

Rockets legend Yao Ming also made an appearance alongside Cuttino Mobley at the NBA Macao house. Yao stood next to a cardboard cutout of himself and joked, "I have something in my shoes," when he appeared taller than the cutout. Durant and Flagg also spent time greeting thrilled young fans at the events.

What it means for the next game

Houston Rockets at Dallas Mavericks (NBA, Fri, 09 Oct): Dallas Mavericks win 30%, Houston Rockets win 70%; projected score Dallas Mavericks 113, Houston Rockets 120. Our safest pick: Mavericks +14.5.

Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets (NBA, Sun, 11 Oct): Houston Rockets win 77%, Dallas Mavericks win 23%; projected score Houston Rockets 117, Dallas Mavericks 107. Our safest pick: Rockets to win.