As per usual, I am writing this preview for the second game of a back-to-back before the first game has concluded. Therefore, if I don’t mention something that happened in the Phoenix game, that is why.
Both the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks are on the second night of back-to-backs, which should keep things relatively even. Houston’s depth superiority will obviously be hampered with the injuries and Steven Adams being out for the back-to-back. Dallas could be without P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, but they were both questionable going into their game last night against the Thunder. It could just be a situation of “We’re not going to beat OKC so why not give our guys another day off?”
Dallas still has Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg, who is starting to find his stride. He shot well against Houston in the first meeting between these teams, so he’s probably going to be a Rockets killer his entire career. In fact, he could take lessons from Klay Thompson, who is shooting much better as of late. Dallas is also excited about rookie sensation Ryan Nembhard.
You knew I wouldn’t miss a chance to give out some Gonzaga love.
Dorian Finney-Smith: OUT (ankle)
The Line (as of this post)
Looking ahead because we can
Thursday night on the road against the Denver Nuggets