What to Watch For
The Dallas Mavericks are in another Back-to-Back situation after losing last night in New Orleans 104-111. The Mavs have played in back-to-back games five times this season and have lost the second game every single time[note]@Warriors, @Magic, @Hornets, @Rockets, @Nuggets[/note], but hope to buck that trend tonight at home against the Houston Rockets who are also on the second night of a back-to-back.
They have also lost their first three meetings with the Rockets this season and hope to avoid getting swept in the season series tonight.
Patrick Beverley left yesterday’s game against the Suns with a thigh injury and is questionable to play tonight.
In their last 16 games, the Mavericks are 7-9 and the Rockets are 13-3.
Dirk Nowitzki has been excellent in limited minutes since returning from injury. Dirk scored 17 points in just under 15 minutes against the Clippers on Dec 23 and 10 points in 17 minutes last night against the Pelicans.
Key Matchups
Dirk Nowitzki vs Ryan Anderson or Montrezl Harrell
Assuming that Dirk Nowitzki plays tonight,[note]There has been no evidence that he won’t[/note] Coach Rick Carlisle has been starting Dirk at the 5 (Center) spot in the lineup. Also, since Clint Capella is out, Coach Mike D’Antoni has been starting Montrezl Harrell in his place. However, Ryan Anderson was matched up against Dirk Nowitzki in the team’s preseason meeting[note]Dirk has missed the first three games against the Rockets this season[/note]. So whether it’s the 6’10” sharpshooting Anderson and the 6’8” athletic Harrell one of them will have to guard Dirk. That also means that Dirk will have to guard one of them as well, and if it’s Harrell expect him to be chasing him all around the court.
Everyone remembers how the second meeting ended between these two. The Beard vs Iron Man Part III looks to be just as good.
Injury Report
Mavericks
Dirk Nowitzki – Active
Andrew Bogut – Active (Right Knee)
J.J. Barea – Out (Left Leg Muscle Strain)
Mavs C Andrew Bogut will play against the Rockets after missing the previous 11 games due to a bone bruise in his right knee.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 27, 2016
Rockets
Clint Capella – Out
Patrick Beverly – Out (Thigh)
Game Info
BACK-TO-BACK! Mavs are back at home to take on the Rockets!
📍: @AACenter
🚪: 6PM CT
🏀: 7:30PM
📺: @FOXSportsSW
📻: @ESPN1033#MFFL pic.twitter.com/okOee5tlfg— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 27, 2016
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