Will John Wall Play Tonight? Dallas Mavericks vs Houston Rockets: Injury Report, Predicted Lineups & Picks

The Dallas Mavericks end their three games on the road to host the Houston Rockets in this Texan derby. While the Rockets are likely out of playoff contention (5-9), the Mavs will be looking to strengthen their position (8-7) in the Western Conference Table with a win tonight.

Date & Time: January 23, 2021, 8pm CT

Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas

Preview | Dallas Mavericks

The team is starting to find some identity with Kristaps Porzingis at five. This position worked wonders for the Latvian last season as well, and he has picked up from where he left after Rick Carlisle made this change against the Indiana Pacers, to much success.

The Unicorn had his best game of the season with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists. And his efficiency was off the roof as well (80% FG). The Pacers were missing Myles Turner (league leader in blocks this season), so KP took full advantage of it to run rampant in the paint. With Christian Wood likely to miss out for the Rockets, he will look to employ similar tactics once again.

While Luka Doncic is finding his MVP form; he recorded 36 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists in the win over San Antonio Spurs last night. The status of the quarantined trio – Maxi Kleber, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Josh Richardson is still unconfirmed with the Mavs yet to release their injury report. Though, they are most likely to miss out on this encounter.

Predicted Starting 5 of the Dallas Mavericks

Guard – Luka Doncic

Guard – Jalen Brunson

Center – Kristaps Porzingis

Forward – Tim Hardaway Jr.

Forward – Josh Green

Preview | Houston Rockets

This is a season which the Rockets will prefer to write off after undergoing major changes in personnel. It is a new backcourt with Victor Oladipo and John Wall after the James Harden trade saga. Not to forget a young and promising coach in Stephen Silas took over from Mike D’Antoni this offseason.

So, the priority for them will be grinding their way through games. Their two best players this season, John Wall and Christian Wood, are out and likely to return next week.

Predicted Starting 5 of the Houston Rockets

Guard – Eric Gordon

Guard – Victor Oladipo

Center – DeMarcus Cousins

Forward – Jae’Sean Tate

Forward – P. J. Tucker

Pick | Dallas Mavericks

No question that the Mavericks arrive into this contest as the favorites. While they are missing a few key players of their own, it is incomparable to Houston’s short-handedness. Provided they don’t come back to their inconsistent ways, this match should be a walk in the park for the Mavs.