After signing a five-year $81.5 million extension this offseason, Tari Eason was eager to start his 2026-27 campaign off on the right foot after impressing throughout the preseason. Unfortunately for Eason and the Rockets, things didn't quite go as planned, as the former LSU forward was ejected for a Flagrant Foul 2 on PJ Washington, just three minutes into his season debut. Thursday, the NBA revealed that Eason's foul on Washington was downgraded to a Flagrant Foul 1 upon review.

Eason's absence didn't come back to haunt the Rockets, as Houston dominated the Mavericks, 128-110. Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. scored 30 points each, while two-time All-Star Alperen Sengun added a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double. Amen Thompson chipped in a double-double as well, finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Looking ahead, the Rockets will face the San Antonio Spurs Friday, Oct. 23.