Dallas Mavericks: Will Luka Doncic led team to victory over Rockets?

Dallas Mavericks: Will Luka Doncic led Mavs to victory over Houston?

The Dallas Mavericks officially begin the season’s restart on July 31 when they face the Houston Rockets. Luka Doncic will be leading the way as the team attempts to kick things off on the right foot in Orlando.

James Harden and Russell Westbrook are both healthy and provide a stern test for any team in the restart. Friday’s game has massive seeding implications. The Rockets are just 1.5 up on Dallas coming in. The Mavericks need to win to have any chance of passing Houston in the standings.

Here is a look at everything fans need to know before enjoying the Mavericks versus Rockets on Friday.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets: How to watch

Start time: 8:00 p.m. CT or 9:00 p.m. ET

How to watch: ESPN (National), Fox Sports Southwest-Dallas, AT&T SportsNet- Southwest (Houston market)

Watch online: ESPN app, Watch ESPN, Fox Sports Go (Dallas market)

Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets injury update

The Mavs will be without Dwight Powell, Jalen Brunson, Courtney Lee, and Willie Cauley-Stein for the rest of the season. The only other Maverick that is unlikely to play is Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. He was late arriving in Orlando and missed all three scrimmage games. Expect all five to sit out against the Rockets on July 31.

Thabo Sefolosha and David Nwaba are both out for the entire restart. Eric Gordon injured his ankle in the Rockets’ final scrimmage. He will be out against the Mavericks. Fans can read more on how that impacts Houston here.

Be sure to check Twitter just before tipoff for any late-breaking information on this contest.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets storyline to follow: Luka vs. Harden

It is a battle between two of the NBA’s best scorers. Both Luka Doncic and James Harden are in the MVP conservation this season. Their games often get compared too.

The two teams faced off twice before the NBA suspended play in March. Doncic only played in one of those games. He had 41 points and ten dimes as the Mavs won by 14. Harden had 32 points and missed a triple-double by one rebound in that game. The Rockets won in Jan. behind 35 points and 16 rebounds from The Beard.

Expect both players to put on a show from Walt Disney World on July 31. Luka plans on leading the Mavs to victory. Be sure to tune in and see how it plays out.