Mavs Game Preview: Game 34 @ Rockets

Looking to bounce back against a tough, physical Rockets squad

Photo by Richard Rodriguez / Getty Images

First, let me wish a Happy New Year to all my readers and subscribers! Here’s to hoping that digginbasketball can continue being even a small part of your journey in 2025.

As for the Mavericks, they’re looking to start the new year by turning the page on what’s been a tough stretch. Without Luka Dončić and with Naji Marshall still out for two more games serving his suspension, the team faces a challenging test. They’ll try to avoid a three-game losing streak against perhaps the most physical team in the NBA, the Houston Rockets. Kyrie Irving should be back for this game, and hopefully Dereck Lively II returns as well, because the struggling Mavericks offense will need everything they can muster against one of the league’s most stifling defenses.

This marks the last game of a four-game road trip, but things aren’t getting any easier for Dallas. Up next, they’ll face the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers, followed by another tough Western rival in the Memphis Grizzlies.

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Mavs (20-13) @ Rockets (21-11) game facts

Rest: DAL on 1 day of rest; HOU on 2 days of rest

DAL vs HOU 2024-25 record: 0-1 (see first matchup observations here)

DAL 2024-25 away record: 10-8

HOU 2024-25 home record: 11-5

DAL injuries: Luka Dončić (OUT), Dante Exum (OUT), Naji Marshall (OUT - suspension), Dereck Lively II (questionable)

HOU injuries: Amen Thompson (OUT - suspension), Tari Eason (questionable)

HOU projected starting 5: Fred VanVleet (G), Jalen Green (G), Dillon Brooks (F), Jabari Smith Jr. (F), Alperen Sengun (C)

HOU key reserves: Tari Eason, Steven Adams, Aaron Holiday, Cam Whitmore, Reed Sheppard

HOU Rotation:

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Three key questions heading into the game

1. Can the Mavericks address their rebounding struggles against the NBA’s top offensive rebounding team?

2. How will the Mavericks generate offense against one of the league’s most physical and stifling defenses?

3. Can the Mavericks defense step up and handle Alperen Sengun inside?

What we saw / what's changed since last game

The first matchup in Houston was reminiscent of the Mavericks' recent loss in Sacramento. In both games, Dallas faced teams struggling with their shooting but making up for it by dominating the offensive glass. For those who want a refresher, here’s two minutes of the Rockets out-hustling and muscling their way to nearly every rebound in that game.

Another major problem for Dallas was Alperen Sengun. The Turkish big man drew 11 fouls, playing a key role in keeping both Gafford and Lively in foul trouble for most of the game.

The biggest change compared to the last game is the absence of Dončić, who scored 29 points, and Marshall for Dallas. On the Rockets’ side, the athletic Amen Thompson, who played a key role in the Mavericks’ struggles on the glass, will be out as he serves his suspension.

Mavs on offense | Rockets on defense