3 considerations as the Dallas Mavericks host the Houston Rockets

The Dallas Mavericks, winners of their last four games, host the Houston Rockets on Thursday night at the American Airline Center. With Reggie Bullock listed as questionable on the Maverick’s injury report Wednesday afternoon and Luka Doncic averaging 42.6 minutes per game over the previous 3 games, this could be a planned loss for Luka.

The Rockets are coming into Dallas having lost 6 of their last 7 games. One of those losses came against the Mavericks just six days ago. As of Wednesday afternoon, Eric Gordon is listed as day-to-day on the Rocket’s injury report. Houston also suspended Jae’ Sean Tate for the game.

You again?

Whoever created the NBA schedule decided that Dallas and Houston would not play each other again after January 2, 2023. So the Mavericks and Rockets will end up playing each other three times in ten days. Houston is young and athletic and they can rebound the basketball. On paper, the Rockets are the type of team the Mavericks can contend with. Fortunately for the Mavericks, not everything comes with age. Houston ranks 28th in the NBA in offensive and defensive rating, with a -5.8 net rating this season.

Christian Wood is in a groove

In the last seven games, Christian Wood has been amazing. Ideally, having a consistent 20 point scorer paired with Luke should make things easier for the Mavericks moving forward this season. The points and rebounds are good, but I’ve been impressed by Woods’ defense during this stretch. The 2.4 block average is a welcome presence in the post considering the Mavericks don’t have Maxi Kleber available for the foreseeable future. Whether it’s Christian finally earning head coach Jason Kidd’s trust or simply a lack of options, Wood’s effort on the defensive end hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Go

The Houston Rockets are already on the list of several games this season that the Mavericks had no business losing. However, even with the Mavericks struggling with injuries and a lack of depth, Dallas still has enough fight to beat a Houston Rockets club trying to find their identity. The Mavericks are in a great spot in their schedule where Dallas won’t have to play an over .500 team until January 5th when the Mavs host the Boston Celtics. Let’s hope the Mavericks handle their business and extend their season-high five-game winning streak by beating these Rockets.

How to watch?

You can watch or stream the game on Bally Sports at 7:00 CST.