FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
1 The Rockets’ defense
The Rockets defense finally made some strides defensively in the win against the Wizards after it was lit up through most of the eightgame losing streak. Kevin Porter Jr., who did a solid job on Bradley Beal on Wednesday, likely will not have to contend with Luka Doncic. But Jalen Brunson played very well in the 10 games Doncic missed, averaging 21 points on 51.3 percent shooting along with 7.4 assists while Doncic was out. Kristaps Porzingis averaged 22.8 points in that stretch but he is also out.
2 Does Jalen Green keep it going?
In his six games since returning from a hamstring injury, the Rockets rookie has averaged 20.5 points per game, making 44.6 percent of his shots, 44.4 percent of his 3s and 85.3 percent of his free throws. He bounced back from a tough game in Philadelphia, scoring 22 points on 8-of-17 shooting, adding a career-best six rebounds Washington on Wednesday. In his early-season game against the Mavericks, however, he made just 4 of 16 shots, going 2 of 9 from the 3-point line.
3 Who wins the bench minutes?
The Rockets have had a high-scoring second unit through much of the season, ranking second in points per game scored (40.8) off the bench. Some of that is because they have often cleared the bench early, leading to more playing time for non-starters. But the Rockets reserves can score, especially at home. The problem has been getting stops, especially in the games prior to the road trip. With players coming back from injuries and suspensions, there is greater depth, moving Garrison Mathews to the second unit. That could be tested, especially if Tim Hardaway Jr. continues to come off the Dallas bench with Doncic likely out.
4 As goes Gordon …
After making three of five 3-pointers Wednesday, Rockets guard Eric Gordon is making 53.2 percent of his 3s in the 11 Rockets wins and 41.3 percent in the 22 losses in which he has played. In his past 15 games, Gordon has made 50 percent of his 3s in his past 15 games to improve his 3-point shooting to 45.6 percent, third in the NBA. In three games against the Mavericks in the past two seasons, Gordon has mad 54.2 percent of his 3s.
5 A 3-peat performance?
The Mavericks made just 27.9 percent of their 3s in the first meeting, helping the Rockets to keep the game close. Dallas’ offense has fallen off this season from the previous two seasons in large part because the Mavs have made just 33 percent of their 3-pointers, ranking 25th in the NBA. As porous as the Rockets have been defensively, the 3-point defense has been relatively solid, allowing 34.7 percent 3-point shooting to rank 13th in 3-point defense.
INJURY/STATUS REPORT
Rockets: Guard John Wall, forward/center Usman Garuba (health and safety protocols), guard Armoni Brooks (health and safety protocols) and center/forward Alperen Sengun (sprained right ankle) are out.
Mavericks: Guard Luka Doncic (sprained right ankle) is doubtful. Center Willie Cauley-Stein (personal reasons,) center Boban Marjanovic (health and safety protocols,) forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (health and safety protocols) and guard Isaiah Thomas (health and safety protocols) are out.