Rockets vs. Mavericks game thread: Kick 'em while they're down

The Dallas Mavericks are 11-8 since the Rajon Rondo trade, and last night they were whipped by the Memphis Grizzlies. They are vulnerable, and the Rockets can smell it.

"Kick 'em while they're down," Jason Terry told reporters today. The Mavericks have lost three straight games. "We want to make it four in a row."

As of 5 p.m., when I'm writing this, there's no word on whether Dwight Howard or Terrence Jones will play tonight. If one or both are in, I like the Rockets' chances. If Joey Dorsey is starting against Tyson Chandler, I like the chances a lot less.

The Rockets are 31-14 and still in possession of fourth place in the West. Chandler Parsons aside, wins against the 30-16 Mavericks are absolutely critical, just like every game against the Grizzlies and the Spurs. The Rockets may have gotten their asses kicked by the Warriors this year, but they've held up well against the rest of the West.

Kick 'em while they're down, and create some separation. You ready?