After finishing fifth in the Western Conference a season ago, the Houston Rockets are off to a hot start, currently the only team to begin the 2026-27 season 5-0. Their fast start is due in large part to the efforts of Alperen Sengun, in addition to the return of veteran point guard Fred VanVleet.

Sengun, who is currently dealing with lower back soreness, was upgraded ahead of Friday's contest against the Dallas Mavericks. After missing Wednesday's win over Milwaukee, Sengun is now listed as questionable. So too is Marcus Smart, who has only played in two of Houston's five games due to a forearm strain. Reed Sheppard has been ruled out due to lower back soreness. Veteran center Steven Adams remains sidelined as well.

For Dallas, Naji Marshall has been listed as questionable due to an illness. Santi Aldama and Tarik Biberovic have been listed as doubtful, while rookie point guard Sergio De Larrea has been ruled out with a knee sprain.