Rockets Close Road Trip with Matchup Against New-Look Mavericks
Early Prep. AD’s Debut. The Instigators.
On Saturday afternoon, Houston closes out their road trip with a visit to battle their I-45 rivals, the Dallas Mavericks. The Rockets are aiming to go 3-0 against the Mavs after winning the two previous meetings this season. This is the first home game for the Mavericks since dealing Luka Doncic in the NBA’s most shocking trade in history one week ago. Anthony Davis, who the Mavs acquired in the Doncic trade, is expected to make his debut for Dallas today.
The Mavs are coming off an impressive road win over the Boston Celtics in their previous game. With a 27-25 record, Dallas is currently in the eighth spot out West. Houston is 32-19, and clinging to the fourth spot in the Conference. Despite having another matinee matchup tomorrow, the Rockets don’t play many day games, and Houston has struggled during afternoon matchups. They’ll look to buck that trend with a spicy victory in Dallas this afternoon.
The atmosphere inside American Airlines Center today will likely be unlike anything this Rockets team has witnessed. Fans in Dallas are angry over the Doncic trade, and it should be interesting how they express their frustration in the Mavs’ first home game in the post-Luka era. Even without AD, Dallas looked inspired and fresh in their previous win. Davis will be playing, and he is a headache. Alperen Sengun has his work cut out for him this afternoon. Unfortunately, Fred VanVleet remains out for this matchup with an ankle injury.
Can the Rockets get off the schneide, and end their five-game losing streak? If Houston can finally play four solid quarters of basketball, and refrain from taking their foot off the gas, the squad should have a great chance to get back on the winning track today. Expect an exciting afternoon contest, with an atmosphere that will likely be dialed up in intensity. The entire city of Dallas has been in its feelings since the shocking trade. And Houston would love to do nothing more than further instigate the situation by getting a win in the Mavs’ first home game after the trade. Be prepared for an entertaining day of Rockets basketball, as Houston looks to get back on track as there I-45 rivals begin a new era.
American Airlines Center: Dallas, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (32-19): Red
Dallas Mavericks (27-25): White
Tip-Off: 2:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass