Game 10: Houston Rockets Vs. Dallas Mavericks Preview

It’s going to get better Houston Rockets fans.

Last night’s debacle against the Denver Nuggets should’ve been a wake-up call if not already when the team started out 0-3.

The same things that plagued the Rockets in their first meeting with this team back on Oct. 28 rang true last night.

We still witnessed shoddy defense, lackluster shooting and no sense of a organized offense to make plays happen.

The only thing I see consistency of is that they do know how to run the pick-and-roll effectively to throw a lob out for a dunk.

And that may be fine for the highlight reel but it’s not necessarily a heady game plan for attack if one is trying to beat their opponent.

That play will not work every time because when one starts to becoming predictable on offense, that will be a losing battle and will would be hugely detrimental to the team’s focus on winning.

This is terrible to report but we’ve got another game to play tonight.

The Rockets will face the 5-4 Dallas Mavericks for the first time this season and they’re basically a team that’s just been as up-and-down as we’ve been.

They’ve had to do damage control since not being able to nab DeAndre Jordan because of his indecision and Mark Cuban & Co. have been trying to pick up the pieces.

More from House of Houston

There are few new pieces to their puzzle and they’re currently part of what makes this team go.

So who’s leading the charge for the Mavericks?

Dirk Nowitzki has taken back the scoring reign so far, even at the twilight of his career. He’s currently averaging 17.8 PPG. Newly-acquired forward Zaza Pachulia leads in rebounds (10.2 RPG) and blocks (0.60 BPG). Deron Williams — also acquired via free agency — leads in assists (5.3 APG) and steals (1.40 SPG).

Let’s talk about what the Mavericks do well.

They take care of the basketball. The Mavs are currently 2nd in the league in turnover ratio with just 11.7 percent of the team’s possessions ending in a turnover.

They crash the boards on defense. The Mavs are 7th in the league in defensive rebound rate (78.8).

Injuries:

Dwight Howard will not be in uniform tonight as he usually will rest one game when the team has a back-to-back. He played last night so he will sit tonight.

Patrick Beverley sprained his ankle last night, exited the game and left the Pepsi Center in a walking boot and crutches according to the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Feigen. His status is uncertain as the Rockets have not commented on an exact timetable — he may miss some time. Hopefully, it’s not significant.

According to Mavs’ digital content reporter Bobby Karalla, Chandler Parsons (knee) has been ruled out for tonight. Expect Dwight Powell to step in his place — he had 10 points and 12 rebounds in the Mavs’ 90-82 win over the Los Angeles Lakers last night.

Next: Rockets Talk: Is It Time To Press The Panic Button?

Three Things to Watch:

Nowitzki vs. Montrezl Harrell/Marcus Thornton/Terrence Jones
Clint Capela vs. Pachulia
Ty Lawson vs. Deron Williams

Prediction:

103-101 in a Rockets’ win!

The Rockets are back at home to take on the Mavericks at Toyota Center.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.

The game will be televised on ROOT Sports and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME) & La Ranchera 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.

Go Rockets.

Home/Houston Rockets