I’m 1-1 on this site in my NBA picks as I was incorrect on my previous pick on Monday. Tonight I like the Dallas Mavericks-Houston Rockets match-up.
Dallas Mavericks (30-16) @ Houston Rockets (31-14)
Overview: The Dallas Mavericks are in the midst of a season-high 3 game losing skid. Last night they were crushed at home 109-90 versus Memphis. Forward Chandler Parsons scored 19 points on 7 of 11 shooting in 32 minutes. Guard Monta Ellis also scored 19 points on 8 of 16 shooting in 33 minutes. Forward Dirk Nowitzki netted 11 points on 5 of 12 shooting in 29 minutes. He also had 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Center Tyson Chandler chipped in with 10 points on 4 of 4 shooting in 32 minutes. He had 5 rebounds. Guard Rajon Rondo had 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. The team shot 48.7% from the field, 26.9% from the 3 point, and 70% from the free throw line. The team is 2nd in the league in points per game with 107.5. They are 23rd in the league in points allowed with 102. They are 21st in the league in rebounds per game with 41.8 per game. They are 8th in the league in assists per game with 23.2 per game. They have allowed their last 2 opponents to score 109 points. They are 16-8 on the road this season. They have won 6 of their last 9 road games. They are 4-5 versus Southwest division opponents. Tonight is the 2nd game of a back to back. They are in the 2nd game of a back to back so far this season. Their next game is Friday at Miami. Dallas is currently in the 6th spot in the Western Conference, a game and a half behind the 5th seed Rockets. The Houston Rockets have won 2 in a row and 8 of their last 11 games. On Sunday they notched a 99-87 at the Los Angeles Lakers. Guard James Harden led the way with 37 points on 12 of 20 shooting in 35 minutes. He was 4 of 11 from the 3 point line and 9 of 10 from the foul line. He also had 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward Josh Smith scored 11 points on 5 of 10 shooting in 25 reserve minutes. He also had 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. Guard Jason Terry netted 11 points on 4 of 9 shooting in 21 minutes off the bench. Guard Corey Brewer chipped in with 10 points on 4 of 9 shooting in 27 minutes. The team shot 40.2% from the field, 29.5% from the 3 point line, and 76.2% from the free throw line. The team is 7th in the league in points per game with 103. They are 13th in the league in points allowed with 99. They are 13th in the league in rebounds per game with 43.4 per game. They are 17th in the league in assists per game with 21.2 per game. 9 of their last 10 wins have been by a margin of 10 or more points. They are 15-7 at home this season. They have won 5 of their last 6 home games. They are 4-4 versus Southwest division opponents. Including tonight they play 4 of their next 6 games at home. Their next game is Friday at Boston. The Rockets are currently in the 5th spot in the Western Conference, tied with the 4th seed Clippers.
In their first meeting this season Houston was victorious at home 95-92 versus Dallas. After tonight the 2 teams play 2 more times this season, February 20th at Dallas and April 2nd at Dallas.
Prediction: The Mavericks are struggling a bit right now while the Rockets have been on a high lately. However, the Rockets may be without Dwight Howard tonight. James Harden will carry his weight in scoring for the Rockets but I think the Mavericks will end their slump tonight (especially if Howard is out). Play: Mavericks +4 (Bet365)
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