diff --git a/python_modules/dagster-graphql/dagster_graphql/test/utils.py b/python_modules/dagster-graphql/dagster_graphql/test/utils.py
index 9b74d12500b69..874ae986fe271 100644
--- a/python_modules/dagster-graphql/dagster_graphql/test/utils.py
+++ b/python_modules/dagster-graphql/dagster_graphql/test/utils.py
@@ -201,6 +201,8 @@ def infer_pipeline_selector(
         {
             "pipelineName": pipeline_name,
             "solidSelection": op_selection,
+            "assetSelection": [],
+            "assetCheckSelection": [],
         }
     )
     return selector
diff --git a/python_modules/dagster/dagster/_core/instance/__init__.py b/python_modules/dagster/dagster/_core/instance/__init__.py
index 8fec0e07392e1..55a228e188992 100644
--- a/python_modules/dagster/dagster/_core/instance/__init__.py
+++ b/python_modules/dagster/dagster/_core/instance/__init__.py
@@ -1461,7 +1461,7 @@ def create_run(
         check.opt_set_param(asset_selection, "asset_selection", of_type=AssetKey)
         check.opt_set_param(asset_check_selection, "asset_check_selection", of_type=AssetCheckKey)
 
-        if asset_selection is not None or asset_check_selection is not None:
+        if asset_selection is not None or asset_check_selection:
             check.invariant(
                 op_selection is None,
                 "Cannot pass op_selection with either of asset_selection or asset_check_selection",