The division and in-state rival Houston Rockets would be the opponents for this matchup, entering the game on a five-game losing streak. Anthony Davis made his Mavericks debut in this game, so Dallas was only missing Dereck Lively II, Dwight Powell, and Caleb Martin, while Houston was without starters Jabari Smith Jr. and Fred VanVleet.

Anthony Davis exited his debut for the Dallas Mavericks early after suffering what the team called a "lower-body injury."

Dallas’ new big man was heavily involved on both sides of the floor early in the Mavericks’ game vs. the Rockets.