Rockets Greet Mavs in Season’s First Duel
Texas-Sized Showdown. Imperfect Imitation. I-45 Revived.
“From the moment I slapped eyes on this hombre, I smelled trouble,” a line from the 90’s Western film, Maverick. And as the Rockets host the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, I smell trouble coming to town. Trouble in the form of Luka Doncic, the Mavs third-year superstar sensation, and preseason pick to win league MVP. Doncic, along with James Harden, both missed their previous games due to injuries. But both will be back on the court tonight, and Luka has flourished against Houston since entering the league. Dallas lost their last game, and sits at a disappointing 2-4 in the standings. Don’t let the record fool you, these Mavs are for real, and with Doncic running the show, can beat anyone on any night. The Rockets have to be prepared for a desperate Dallas team, eagerly seeking to improve their early-season woes. Houston is coming off back-to-back home victories over the Sacramento Kings. Tonight marks only the second time Houston’s Big Three (James Harden, John Wall, and Christian Wood) all suit up for the Rockets. Wall and Wood have been sensational, if Harden joins the party, Houston should handle any problems the Mavs throw their way. But don’t expect tonight’s game to be easy by any means.
Dallas is coming off a disappointing loss to the Chicago Bulls last night. Houston has more rest, home-court advantage, and more talent and depth. The Rockets should win if they can match the Mavs sense of urgency. Dallas has had one of the toughest schedules so far, already falling to the Lakers, Clippers, and Heat earlier this season. The Mavs are still without their second-best player, Kristaps Porzingis, aka “The Unicorn.” Regardless, Luka is deadly enough at controlling the game to be able to will his team to victory by himself. Hopefully, the Tatewagon lineup can give Houston’s second-unit the needed energy to take advantage of the game when the stars aren’t on the floor. Speaking of stars, the guy Luka Doncic has gotten compared to most often is James Harden. Luka boasts a deadly step-back from the perimeter and the poise of a 15-year veteran in only his third season at the age of 21. Still, at least at this moment in time, Harden is the better player, and should roast Doncic on the offensive end. The Rockets will need to communicate on defense and switch effectively to keep Luka from having one of those “Lukamania”nights, where he shows why he’s favored to be the MVP this season.
Despite not even being close to playoff time, tonight’s matchup is a Texas-sized showdown as the I-45 rivalry gets back under way between these long-time enemies. The Beard and Luka will both be looking to put on a show. And don’t think John Wall or Christian Wood are going to shy away from the action, as the new Rockets-duo will attempt to continue their hot start to the season. Houston Coach Stephen Silas was an assistant for Dallas last season, and worked diligently with Doncic. We’ll see if Silas’ knowledge of Luka’s game benefits the Rockets on Monday night. It’s been an odd start to the season in the NBA overall. The highly-touted Denver Nuggets started 1-4, and the Phoenix Suns were atop the West for awhile. The Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks (teams with opposite expectations) have the same record after six games. The offseason was the shortest in NBA history for some, the longest for the teams that didn’t play in the Orlando Bubble last season. So, it’s no surprise it’s been a stranger start to the season than usual. And with all signs pointing to a Houston victory tonight at home, Dallas is due for an inspiring victory. Luka always seems to play great against the Rockets. I hope I’m wrong, and Harden’s return, along with the continued rise of Wall and Wood, push Houston past the Mavs, en route to a third straight Rockets victory. But I have to be honest… I smell trouble.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Dallas Mavericks (2-4): White
Houston Rockets (2-2): Black
TV: 7 PM CT – NBA TV, AT&T Sportsnet SW