The Lone Star State is buzzing with anticipation as the Houston Rockets, boasting a 21-10 record and riding high on a four-game winning streak, roll into Dallas to take on the struggling Mavericks at American Airlines Center. The stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams in this Western Conference showdown: Houston is eager to cement its place among the conference elite, while Dallas, mired in a four-game skid and sitting at 12-23, is desperate to flip the script and regain momentum.
Tip-off is set for 8:30 PM Eastern (7:30 PM Central), and fans across Texas and beyond can catch the action live on Space City Home Network and KFAA. For those out of market, NBA League Pass and streaming options like Fubo and Amazon Prime Video (with a 7-day free trial) ensure nobody misses a minute. The Rockets, fresh off a resounding 120-96 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, are looking to keep their foot on the gas, while the Mavericks hope a return to home court will spark a turnaround.
Houston’s recent form has been nothing short of impressive. The Rockets’ four-game winning stretch includes convincing wins over the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, and, most recently, the Brooklyn Nets. In that New Year’s Day triumph against Brooklyn, third-year guard Amen Thompson stole the spotlight, dropping 23 points, dishing three assists, and grabbing four rebounds. Thompson’s evolution this season has been a revelation for Houston fans—he’s now averaging 18.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game, providing steady on-ball defense and a dynamic playmaking presence.
But it’s not just Thompson lighting up the scoreboard. Kevin Durant, the former MVP and perennial All-Star, continues to deliver at an elite level. Durant’s season averages—25.4 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game—are backed by efficient shooting splits: 52.2% from the field and 43% from three-point range. In the win over Brooklyn, Durant chipped in 22 points, while Turkish big man Alperen Sengun added 20. Sengun has quietly been one of the league’s most productive centers, averaging 22.6 points, 6.7 assists, and 9.3 rebounds per contest.
Houston’s offensive depth doesn’t end there. Jabari Smith Jr. (15.8 points, 6.9 rebounds) and sharpshooter Reed Sheppard (13.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists) round out a starting five that can hurt opponents from all angles. Smith Jr. brings versatility and length to both ends of the floor, while Sheppard’s 45.5% field goal percentage and 42% mark from beyond the arc make him a constant threat from deep.
Yet, the Rockets have had to navigate some adversity. Their injury report lists Steven Adams (ankle) and Fred VanVleet (knee) as out for this matchup. While Adams’ veteran presence and VanVleet’s leadership are missed, Houston’s young core has stepped up admirably in their absence. According to Rockets head coach, "Our guys have shown incredible resilience and chemistry during this stretch. Everyone is buying in and playing for each other." That sense of unity has been evident in their recent performances, especially on the defensive end.
On the other side, the Mavericks are searching for answers. Dallas has dropped four straight, most recently falling 123-108 to the Philadelphia 76ers on January 1. Max Christie led the Mavericks with 18 points in that contest, but the team struggled to find offensive rhythm, with Anthony Davis and rookie Cooper Flagg combining for just 25 points. The Mavericks’ season averages reflect their struggles: despite flashes of brilliance, inconsistency and defensive lapses have kept them near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, currently in 13th place.
Injuries have played a significant role in Dallas’s woes. Key contributors Dereck Lively II (foot), Kyrie Irving (knee), and Dante Exum (knee) are all sidelined, with Lively and Exum ruled out for the season. The absence of Irving, in particular, has left a void in playmaking and late-game shot creation. Mavericks head coach reflected on the team’s adversity, noting, "We’re dealing with a tough stretch, but this group has heart. We’ve got to keep battling and find our way back."
Despite their struggles, Dallas has shown they can hang with the best. The regular season series with Houston has been split so far, with the Mavericks taking the last matchup in December behind a 29-point outburst from Anthony Davis, while Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 27 points. Houston won the first meeting in November, 110-102. That history adds an extra layer of intrigue to tonight’s contest—can Dallas leverage home-court advantage and snap the Rockets’ winning streak, or will Houston’s cohesion and firepower prove too much?
Tonight’s probable starting lineups reflect each team’s current reality. Houston is expected to roll out Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Josh Okogie, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. Dallas counters with Ryan Nembhard, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington, and Anthony Davis. The Rockets’ starting five has developed undeniable chemistry, while the Mavericks are relying on a mix of youth and experience to weather the storm.
Betting odds as of game day favor the Rockets, with an -8.5 spread and a moneyline of -300, indicating confidence in Houston’s ability to control the tempo and exploit Dallas’s defensive weaknesses. The over/under is set at 227.5 points, suggesting oddsmakers expect a high-scoring affair.
For fans planning to tune in, the broadcast is available on Space City Home Network and KFAA, with streaming options through NBA League Pass, Fubo, and Amazon Prime Video. Out-of-market viewers can take advantage of free trials and team-specific passes to follow the action all season long.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks face a tough road trip with games at Sacramento, Utah, and Chicago in the coming week, all aired on KFAA. For Houston, the focus remains on maintaining their momentum and staying healthy as the playoff race intensifies.
As tip-off approaches, the atmosphere in Dallas is charged with anticipation. Will the Rockets extend their winning streak and solidify their status as Western Conference contenders, or can the Mavericks rally behind their home crowd and snap out of their funk? One thing’s for sure—basketball fans are in for a Texas-sized showdown with plenty of storylines to watch.
With both teams eager to make a statement, all eyes are on American Airlines Center tonight. The Rockets’ blend of youth, star power, and depth will be tested by a Mavericks squad playing with nothing to lose. The action is just getting started—don’t blink, or you might miss something special.
