Mavericks use China games to evaluate unsettled rotation and offense

Dallas split its October 9 and 11 preseason games with Houston, winning the rematch 132-115 after a 135-117 loss. The games highlighted May's pace-, rebounding- and three-point-oriented system and continuing concerns about defensive rebounding, rim protection and physicality; the October 11 starters were Irving, Risacher, Flagg, Washington and Gafford. The rotation remains unsettled, particularly at the wing and backup point guard.