Dallas Mavericks: 5 must see games after the All-Star Break

Dallas Mavericks must-see game: April 7th at Houston Rockets

The Mavericks weren’t supposed to play their in-state rivals at all the second half of the season. Their matchup with the Rockets was canceled on Feb. 19 because of severe weather in Texas, meaning Dallas gets the chance to win the season series in April.

The last time these two teams faced off, Houston shellacked the Mavericks to the tune of 133-108. Both teams played without their star big men as Christian Wood and Kristaps Porzingis were both shelved due to injury and rest. Victor Oladipo also missed his first official game as a Rocket.

Despite missing two of their best players, Eric Gordon and DeMarcus Cousins took advantage of KP’s absence and dominated the paint on offense. The two veterans combined for 61 points, 20 rebounds, and 16 free throws.

The Rockets have struggled of late, even with a roster full of big names, dropping their last 12 games in C-Wood’s absence. Dallas likely won’t have to face the John Wall-Victor Oladipo backcourt in the playoffs, considering Houston currently sits six games out of the play-in.

Dallas must show up to this one ready to dominate. It will be a tough pill to swallow if the Mavericks drop two straight games to their rival and lose the season series.

Even though they don’t look so tough as of late, the Rockets still have talent up and down the roster. The Wall-Oladipo combo will be a good litmus test in preparation for Steph Curry, Donovan Mitchell, Damian Lillard, and any other West guard the Mavericks could face in the playoffs.

C-Wood will also be a good preview for KP if he winds up having to guard Anthony Davis for a whole series. Whether or not the Rockets finish the season in the lottery, it’s still imperative that the Mavericks pay Houston back for the drubbing that was handed out in January.

Next: No. 3