The 5-0 Rockets put their perfect start on the line in Dallas tonight

The Houston Rockets are 5-0 and take that record to Dallas on Friday night, an NBA Cup group stage game that tips at 8 p.m. ET. They may have to protect it without their best player. Alperen Sengun, who leads Houston in points, rebounds and assists, is questionable with a back injury.

Sengun is averaging 24.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists, according to ESPN. Houston is also without Steven Adams (calf) and Marcus Smart (forearm), and Reed Sheppard has been ruled out with a back injury. The Rockets did pick up Sheppard's fourth-year option Friday afternoon. They already beat Dallas once this season, 128-110 on Oct. 22, when Jabari Smith Jr. scored 30.

Dallas (3-2) has Cooper Flagg, who is averaging 25.2 points and 6.8 assists and scored 32 in that first meeting. The Mavericks are thin up front, with Dereck Lively II, Santi Aldama and Sergio de Larrea all out and Naji Marshall day to day with an illness.

Prime Video has the other two headliners. At 7:30, the Knicks (2-3) visit Philadelphia (4-1) without Jose Alvarado, while Karl-Anthony Towns was upgraded to probable with a wrist injury. The 76ers will be without Jaylen Brown, who was ruled out with a knee injury, and coach Nick Nurse said Dean Wade will probably start in his place. Tyrese Maxey is scoring 28.4 a game and scored 28 when Philadelphia beat New York 106-100 on Oct. 20.

At 10 p.m., the Lakers (4-1) visit Golden State (2-3). Luka Doncic is averaging 36.0 points and 8.2 assists, and the Lakers beat the Warriors 127-105 on Oct. 22. Golden State is missing Jimmy Butler III, Kristaps Porzingis and Moses Moody, which leaves a lot on Stephen Curry and his 28.8 points a game.

What's next: If Sengun sits and Houston still wins in Dallas, nobody should call the 5-0 start soft anymore. If the Rockets lose, Flagg gets the credit and Memphis is the league's only unbeaten team. Watch for Sengun's status near tipoff.