Rockets Host Hindered Mavericks in Texas Style Showdown
I-45 Finale. The Leftovers. Strive for Five.
The Rockets welcome the ravaged Dallas Mavericks to town for a Friday night fight at Toyota Center. Tonight’s tilt marks the finale of the I-45 rivalry this season. The Rockets won the first two matchups, before falling to the Mavs in the previous meeting, the “Protest Game,” Dallas’ first home game since the Luka Doncic trade. This is the fourth leg of Houston’s season-long homestand, and the Rockets are seeking their fifth straight win in a row tonight. Houston is aiming to stay perfect on this homestand with a win over Dallas in the season-series finale.
Meanwhile, the Mavs are moving in the opposite direction. Dallas has lost six of their last seven games, and seven of their last nine overall. Since the trade that shocked the sports world on February 1st, affairs have gone from bad to worse in the Big D. In the previous meeting between these Texas foes, Anthony Davis suffered an injury in the first half, and hasn’t played since. And a little over a week ago, Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending injury. The Mavs have slid from comfortably contending for playoff spot, to now clinging to tenth place in the West, hoping to sneak into the Play-In tournament.
Houston’s defense will need to key-in on Klay Thompson, Max Christie, Naji Marshall, and Spencer Dinwiddie among others. Regardless, the Rockets have no excuse to lose this matchup tonight. Houston is by far the superior basketball team, and the Rockets are trying to stay in the hunt for home-court advantage in the Western Conference. Other than Amen Thompson’s absence due to an ankle injury, Houston is fairly healthy entering tonight’s game.
During this current winning streak, the Rockets have won all their games in fairy comfortable fashion. Expect a closer game tonight, as Dallas is injury-riddled, and Houston could potentially sleepwalk into the opening tip. Hopefully, the Rockets can awake in time to put the Mavericks away, in what should be an exciting game on Friday night. This game also marks the first of two straight at Toyota Center, as the Rockets will host the Chicago Bulls in this same building tomorrow night. It’s been a while since Houston has had a close game, expect a tighter contest than expected when these Texas foes face off tonight, as the Rockets lengthy homestand continues.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Dallas Mavericks (33-34): White
Houston Rockets (41-25): Black
Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass