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Apr 5, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the first half against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 5, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the first half against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Mavericks are on the road as they take on intrastate rivals Houston Rockets tonight. For the first time in a few years, the Mavericks are above the Rockets in the standings. They are aiming to continue their winning streak, while the Rockets are desperate to end their miserable losing streak.
Date & Time: April 7, 2021, 8:30pm ET
Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
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Preview | Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks are in superb form. The absence of the second-best player usually hurts the team. However, Kristaps Porzingis‘ injury hasn’t affected them negatively, and the players are only working harder for wins now. In their last game, they beat the Jazz, who are currently the best team in the league. That was a clear indication of how dangerous the Mavs can be.
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 5, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward Maxi Kleber (42) and guard Jalen Brunson (13) react during the second quarter against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
JJ Redick (heel) and Willie Cauley-Stein (COVID-19) will miss the game again. Maxi Kleber (lower leg), Trey Burke, (calf), and Kristaps Porzingis (wrist) are listed as questionable for the game. There is a chance the Latvian returns, and that will be a big boost for them.
Starting 5 for the Dallas Mavericks
Guard – Luka Doncic
Guard – Josh Richardson
Forward – Dorian Finney-Smith
Forward – Nicolo Melli
Center – Maxi Kleber
Preview | Houston Rockets
It is hard to believe the Rockets were 11-10 at one stage. Since then, they have won just two games and lost 27. The absence of Christian Wood, disastrous trades, and a lot of injury problems are to blame for this mess. They are currently on a five-game losing streak, and another loss will give them the worst record in the NBA.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 28, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Houston Rockets forward Christian Wood (35) reacts following a three-point basket made in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
David Nwaba, Eric Gordon, Dante Exum, Danuel House Jr, and Armani Brooks are all out for tonight’s game. Meanwhile, Avery Bradley, DaQuan Jeffries, and John Wall are listed as questionable. That is a huge injury list, and coach Stephen Silas will be worried about team selection.
Starting 5 for the Houston Rockets
Guard – Avery Bradley
Guard – Kevin Porter Jr
Forward – Jae’Sean Tate
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Forward – Christian Wood
Center – Kelly Olynyk
Predictions | Mavericks vs Rockets
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The Mavericks are likely to breeze past the Rockets tonight. They had a surprising loss to them earlier in the season, so the Mavs will be more careful this time. They will still be the favorites to get their 29th win of the season, as they aim to climb the Western Conference standings.
ALSO READ–Mavericks Head Coach Reveals How Boxing Legend Mike Tyson Helped Luka Doncic & Co. Beat Utah Jazz
