Saturday afternoon’s game in Dallas is bound to be full of suspense as the Mavericks return home to face the Houston Rockets after a five-game road trip. This matchup will mark the Mavericks’ first home game since the shocking trade that sent their five-time All-NBA guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Mavericks’ Situation:
Fans are understandably upset about the trade and have expressed their displeasure with the front office in various ways, including memorials of Doncic jerseys, posters, and even a coffin, along with profane graffiti outside of the arena. In response, the team has announced that extra security will be deployed both inside and outside the arena.
On the court, the Mavericks will look different as All-NBA center Anthony Davis is expected to make his debut for Dallas after arriving in the trade that also brought in guard Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick. Forwards Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, along with Doncic, went to the Los Angeles Lakers. Davis has been unavailable since January 28 due to an abdominal strain, and his performance will be closely watched.
The Mavericks are also dealing with the absence of center P.J. Washington, who missed his second consecutive game for personal reasons and it remains unclear if he will return on Saturday.
Rockets’ Situation:
The Rockets are struggling, having lost five straight games, including a 127-114 road loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. Key players like guard Fred VanVleet (ankle) and forward Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) were absent from that game.
Despite their recent struggles, the Rockets have a 17-10 record on the road and will be looking to salvage the finale of their four-game road trip before returning home for three games ahead of the All-Star break. In their most recent game, seven Rockets scored in double figures, led by Jalen Green with 28 points.
Key Players:
- Mavericks: Anthony Davis (debut), Thompson (25 points in last game), Spencer Dinwiddie, Naji Marshall
- Rockets: Jalen Green (28 points in last game), Fred VanVleet (injured), Jabari Smith Jr. (injured)
