SCOUTING THE MAVERICKS

The Mavericks have lost four of their past five games and 12 of their past 15 against the Rockets. … The Mavericks went into Sunday’s game in Chicago fifth in defensive rating. … They were third in fast-break points per game. … The Mavericks, who had the toprated offense in NBA history last season, ranked 19th through five games this season. After setting franchise records for 3-pointers in each of the past five seasons, the Mavericks were 16th in 3s per game going into Sunday’s game, making 31.7 percent after hitting 36.7 percent last season. … Prior to Sunday’s game, Luka Doncic had led Dallas in points, rebounds and assists in the same game 38 times to tie Dirk Nowitzki for the franchise record. Doncic has averaged 25 points, 9.5 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.5 steals in six career games against the Rockets. He has gotten off to a struggling start from the 3point line, making just 16.1 percent of his 3s through the first five games. … TimHardaway Jr. had scored in double figures in each of the Mavericks’ first five games, posting 18 in the three prior to Sunday.