NBA: Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks Preview, Odds, Prediction

Texas derby between the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks will be one of the most interesting games on Tuesday night. The two sides meet at the American Airlines Center at 8:30 pm ET, and to be honest, this should be one very offensive-minded and attractive matchup. The young and the talented Rockets started with one win and two losses but weren’t looking that bad in these three matches. Meanwhile, the Mavs are 1-1, but play their first game of the year at home.

Preview

Houston Rockets (1-2, +475) comes to Dallas following a loss at home, against the Boston Celtics, 107-97. Previously, Stephen Silas’ crew was better than the Oklahoma City Thunder also at home, 124-91, and before that lost on the road to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 124-106.

They are still not at the needed level to be a challenge for a bit stronger sides, but we did see potential in their performances. They opened the game better but had a big energy drop in the second and the third quarter allowing 67 points and scoring only 42.

Jalen Green, the second overall pick from this year’s draft, was superb with 20 points, shooting 11-for-18 and hitting eight threes in 10 shots, displaying phenomenal accuracy. He will for sure be one of the biggest weapons of the Rockets’ team, and an immediate contributor, which is important for both the youngster and the franchise. Christian Wood added 20 points and nine boards, while Kevin Porter Jr. had 12.

Dallas Mavericks (1-1, -700) were swept away in Atlanta on the opening night, 113-87, which was a big surprise after their very confident preseason. But after that, the Mavs were better in Toronto against the Raptors, 103-95.

Luka and the boys started the game slowly, scoring only 18 points in the first 12 minutes. But as the game developed, Dallas became more and more comfortable, especially Luka, who ended the night with 27 points and 12 dimes, being one rebound short from posting a triple-double. The Slovenian is the top favorite for winning the NBA MVP award this year.

Tim Hardaway Jr. had 25 points, seven threes in 11 shots, proving our hypothesis that the Mavs usually win whenever he scores 20 or more points. He is that X-factor. Kristaps Porzingis had a double-double with 18 points and 10 boards. The one negative aspect of the Mavs’ game was the productivity off the bench, with all five players combining for 11 buckets.

Head to Head Games

These two sides have met 185 times in total, and the Rockets have a better record, 100-85. Last year’s result in the series was 2-1 for Houston. The Mavs won the first game at Toyota Center, 113-100, the next one was in Dallas, and it ended 133-108 for the guests, with the third again at Toyota Center, only this time with Houston’s victory, 102-93.

Prediction

Dallas needs to use the home-court advantage and a bigger quality than its upcoming rival. We do respect the Rockets, but they are too young and without any chemistry, unlike the Mavs, who have been together for at least two years. Also, the hosts have Luka Doncic, who is on another level compared to all the Rockets’ players and he alone will do massive damage.

Pick: Mavericks Win