Rockets vs. Mavericks Pre-Game 1/7/22

Rockets Host In-State Rival Mavs on Historic Night

Hometown Hero.    Money Green.    Stopping the Kill.

After the most jubilant victory of the season, the Rockets return home to host their in-state rivals, the Dallas Mavericks. And just as Dallas honored Dirk Nowitzki in their previous game, Houston is honoring a face close to the franchise tonight, and a hometown hero, in Bill Worrell. Worrell was the Rockets’ play-by-play announcer for four decades, and will be recognized for his greatness on Friday night. Worrell was born in Houston, and worked with the Astros and the University of Houston, but he’s best known as the voice of the Rockets for nearly 40 years, including the Championship glory days and the birth of “Clutch City.” Can Houston bring their clutch momentum back home with them for an encore. It’s possible, as Dallas is likely short-handed tonight.

Luka Doncic is doubtful to play heading into tonight’s matchup. Which means Rocket-Killer Tim Hardaway Jr. will receive a plethora of chances to damage Houston’s historic night. If the Rockets can contain Hardaway Jr. and keep him from having an explosive game, Houston should have a good shot at victory. The Mavs are coming off an impressive win over the team with the NBA’s best-record, the Golden State Warriors. Houston is coming off a rousing game-winning shot by Kevin Porter Jr. in Washington D.C. A shot the Rockets hope will change the aura of their entire season.

Hopefully Scoot’s game-winner in DC will spur KPJ to have a better overall shooting night against Dallas. Scoot was 3-for-13 against the Wizards, but hit the biggest shot of the night. Christian Wood will again look to return with a vengeance after one of his best games of the season. With the controversy cloud (presumably) in the past, the Rockets should be excited to start another winning streak. It was easy to get caught up in Houston’s drama over the past few days. Just don’t be surprised when Jalen Green keeps rolling. Green has been superb since returning from a hamstring injury. The Rockets rookie is finally looking like the Rookie of the Year many predicted him to be before the season began.

The Rockets are aiming to prove their previous win wasn’t a fluke, and return to more efficient basketball. This contest will give fans a better idea of where KPJ and Christian Wood stand moving forward. Was the win in the Nation’s Capitol just a game won out of frustration? Or a sign of more victories to come in the future? Friday night’s in-state rivalry matchup will answer a lot of those questions. Just like Dallas secured a win when honoring Dirk in their previous game, Houston hopes to have similar results when they honor their own legend tonight. Worrell was a part of so many special moments as the voice of the Rockets. On flashback Friday, Houston will aim to do what Worrell witnessed so many times first-hand… win.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Dallas Mavericks (20-18):  White

Houston Rockets (11-28):  Navy “City Edition”

 

Tip-Off:  7 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass