Rockets vs. Mavericks Pre-Game 12/22/23

Rockets Desperately Seeking Win, Host Hobbled Mavericks

No Luka.    Fast Start.    Danger Zone.

Currently on three game skid, the Rockets host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, as they aim to get back on the winning track. Houston had their eleven game home winning streak snapped in their previous loss, a 134-127 defensive dud to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. There is some potentially good news for the Rockets tonight, if they seize the opportunity, Luka Doncic will miss tonight’s game with an injury. That’s fortunate for Houston, as Luka’s torched the Rockets over the last few games, averaging a 40-point triple-double. Kyrie Irving remains sideline with an injury as well, but this Mavericks team still has plenty of dangerous players. Tim Hardaway Jr. seems to always play his best against Houston. He’s a seasoned Rocket-killer, and don’t be surprised if he scores at least 25 points tonight. Dante Exum has basically taken Irving’s place in the lineup since the star’s been out. And Exum has played extremely well as of late. The same goes for Derrick Jones Jr. and Jaden Hardy. These players will be on the Rockets’ defensive radar tonight. If they can control the out from this foursome, Houston should be able to beat these undermanned Mavs on Friday night.

The Rockets need to get off to a fast start. They can’t afford to overlook this Mans team because their two best players are sidelined. If Houston falls behind early, they may not have enough steam to get back in the contest. Plus, this is the first of a back-to-back, as the Rockets travel to New Orleans to face the Pelicans tomorrow night. Houston could use an easy win and some rest, before heading over to face a tough New Orleans squad on the road.

Minus Kyrie and Luka, this is by far Houston’s easiest game for the rest of the year. They play playoff teams pretty much every night after this contest until we see the Pistons on New Year’s Day. The Rockets are in a danger zone of approaching a lengthy losing streak if they can’t beat the Mavs tonight. Dallas is undermanned, and Houston needs to take advantage of these absences in order to start another winning streak at home.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Dallas Mavericks (16-11):  Blue

Houston Rockets (13-12):  “City Edition” White

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass