Mavericks odds: Who steps up in Houston with Luka Doncic out?

The Dallas Mavericks travel to Houston to take on the Rockets in a nationally televised game on Jan. 31. Here is a look at what fans need to know.

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns. They face another back-to-back beginning on Friday in Houston. The Mavs return home to face the Hawks on Feb. 1.

The Rockets are coming off a loss to the Blazers. They have fallen in two of their last three games. James Harden is struggling this month. He is shooting just 35.0 percent from the field and 25.2 percent on his 3-pointers over his 11 games played.

The Mavericks will be without Luka Doncic because of an ankle injury. More on that later.

Here is a look at what fans need to know before enjoying the Mavs and Rockets clash on Jan. 31.

Start Time

Friday’s showdown gets underway at 7:30 p.m. ET or 6:30 local time in Dallas.

How to watch

ESPN is airing the game on Jan. 31. Local supporters can still watch on Fox Sports Southwest-Dallas, though. Fans in the Houston market should tune in to AT&T Sportnet Southwest.

Watch online

Hulu Live is the place to watch Friday’s contest online. They have ESPN plus local Fox Sports channels. Fans can also stream it on Watch ESPN.

Odds

Injury update

Mavericks star Luka Doncic is going to miss the game. He injured his ankle in practice on Thursday. Fans can get all the latest here.

According to the NBA’s official injury report, the Mavs have Tim Hardaway Jr. (back) listed as questionable and Dwight Powell is out after his season-ending Achilles surgery.

The Rockets have ruled out Gerald Green (foot) and Nene Hilario (Adductor) for Friday’s game. They are the only two listed on their injury report.

Storyline to follow: Who steps up for the Mavs?

The Dallas Mavericks will be without their star player. Luka Doncic leads the team in scoring, rebounds, and assists this season. He handles one of the heaviest workloads in the NBA. That will be missed in Houston.

During Luka’s previous four-game absence, Jalen Brunson started at point guard and put solid numbers. The Mavs also relied more on Kristaps Porzingis and Hardaway Jr. to make up the scoring. They will need multiple players to step up this time around.

The Mavericks need to defend well in the backcourt against Harden and Russell Westbrook. That will be a key to a Dallas victory to close out January.

The Smoking Cuban will be back with more after the contest including unmatched opinions and analysis on the Dallas Mavericks, so please keep it locked right here.