Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks game preview

After blowing a colossal lead to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Rockets take on a team that already has an epic fourth quarter comeback against Houston in the Dallas Mavericks.

What’s more, the Mavs just yesterday came back from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter and held the Blazers to just nine fourth quarter points en route to a comeback win.

By now, you’re likely aware of the trade deadline moves made by the Mavericks, but just to refresh everyone on the personnel that moved: Dallas traded DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews, and Dennis Smith, Jr. to the New York Knicks for Kristaps Porzingis (out for the season), Tim Hardaway Jr., and Courtney Lee. In a separate deal, they sent Harrison Barnes to Sacramento for Justin Jackson and Zach Randolph (whom they waived).

So the Mavs are a bit of a mish-mash of role players previously on the team and role players from other teams. They are still trying to mesh during this time rather than looking like a mosh pit of talent. If Houston can keep their foot on the gas, the Mavs’ chances would turn to mush.

(Yes, I just used mash, mesh, mish, mosh, and mush in a paragraph. When do I get my Pulitzer? Do they mail it to me or is there a ceremony?)

Anyway, Houston has to get the bitter taste of the OKC collapse out of its mouth and a great way would be to take down a Dallas team that also beat them with a fourth quarter comeback where Luka Doncic couldn’t miss.

This is a game Houston should win, but the Rockets have made a habit of losing games and leads that they have no business losing.

Tip-off is at 7pm CT on NBA TV