Rockets in Desperation Mode, Host Luka and the Mavs
Get to Know Them. Introducing… the Don. Perfectly Mediocre.
The Rockets close out their seven-game home-stand on Friday night, as they host Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. This is the second matchup between the two squads, as Houston took the first in Dallas, albeit the Mavs were playing sans Luka. “The Don” as he’s known, will make his first appearance in Houston this season, and the Rockets need to be ready to slow his show-stopping abilities on the floor. After faltering through an easier portion of the schedule, Houston closes the year out against tough competition. Three of the Rockets’ next six games are against these Mavericks. And the other three are tough games against Eastern Conference foes. After winning their previous five consecutive home matchups, the Rockets have for straight games at home. Houston will try and snap out of their funk tonight, but it won’t be easy against Luka and the Mavs.
Dallas has been perfectly mediocre all season long, wavering around the .500 mark. Heading into Friday night’s battle, the Mavs are an even 16-16 on there season. The Rockets will try and push them back under .500 tonight. Houston has strangely adopted the habit of playing well against superstar-led or great teams, but faltering against completion that doesn’t gain the attention of casual audience’s wallet. Hopefully a matchup with Luka, who’s always worth every penny, will motivate these Rockets to get back on the winning track. Houston will be without Eric Gordon tonight, who’s out with an injury. Josh Christopher was recalled from the G-League and is hungry for a chance to show he desveres a spot in the rotation. If the Houston get’s a boost from their bench, don’t be suprised if Christopher is making a lot of game-changing plays on the court.
Tonight also marks the return of ex-Rocket Christian Wood, who’s making his first appearance back in Houston since being traded in the middle of last season to Dallas. Alperen Sengun gets another chance to square off against his former “big brother” in Houston. Can the Rockets finally show up with the lights shining a little brighter in Toyota Center tonight? The squad has to put four consistent quarters together, a task they’ve failed to complete over the past four games, if they want a chance to upset Dallas tonight. Expect Houston to play with more fire than they’ve displayed recently… and possibly slam the door on their losing streak as the longest home-stand of the season comes to a close.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Dallas Mavericks (16-16): White
Houston Rockets (9-22): “City Edition” Blue
Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT
TV: AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass