Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks game preview

While the Rockets deal with the Chris Paul situation, the NBA schedule still churns. Up next is their Southwest Division rival Dallas Mavericks.

Unfortunately for Houston, Toyota Center is likely to be empty tonight as most of the city of Houston will be glued to their television screens watching the Houston Astros take on the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the ALCS. So for the first time in forever, there’s a good reason for a Rockets game to be empty at tip-off.

The Rockets will likely get more of a chance to feature their bigs tonight against a Mavericks squad that doesn’t play Dirk Nowitzki extended minutes at the 5. Furthermore, Dallas brought back Nerlens Noel to be their rim protector of the future, assuming they haven’t burned their bridge with him by only bringing him back on the qualifying offer.

Dallas is 0-2 on the season after dropping home games to the Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings. They will be missing Dennis Smith, Jr. (left knee swelling), Seth Curry (lower leg injury), and Devin Harris (bereavement).

Injuries are the worst, huh?

Tip-off is at 7pm CT.