A high-profile 2016-2017 NBA Preseason Games match is scheduled between the Houston Rockets (4-1) and Dallas Mavericks (2-3) on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at the American Airlines Center.
Start Time and Streaming Info
The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET. It can be viewed live online thru the NBA League Pass.
Preview
Houston has opened the preseason with a four-game winning streak. They hosted and defeated the Shanghai Sharks at the Toyota Center during their preseason-opener before beating the Knicks in their second game also at home.
After that, they traveled to China and had two games with the New Orleans Pelicans, both wins, at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai and MasterCard Center in Beijing on Oct. 9 and 12 respectively.
However, the Rockets' latest game was a 134-125 overtime loss to the Memphis Grizzlies last Saturday again at the Toyota Center.
James Harden almost had a triple-double as he had 14 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists in 28 minutes for head coach Mike D'Antoni. Starting center Nene backed him up with 10 points and three boards in only 19 minutes while Trevor Ariza also had an impressive all-around display with eight points, five rebounds, one assist, and one block.
It was sophomore power forward Montrezl Harrell who led the team in scoring, though, as he came off the bench and fired 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting including a 4-for-4 stint from the free throw line in 27 minutes. Harrell also added 10 rebounds and three blocks in a monstrous performance.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks has been mercurial in the preseason after alternating losing and winning in their first five games so far.
Dallas lost to the Phoenix Suns, 112-107, in their most recent game held at the Talking Stick Resort Arena on Oct. 14 for their third loss in the preseason.
Head coach Rick Carlisle played his best five for an even 20 minutes during the match as the team prepares for the regular season, which will open next week.
Deron Williams led the team in scoring with 17 points on 6-for-11 field goal shooting and going 2-for-3 from beyond the arc. Veteran mainstay Dirk Nowitzki had 10 points and eight rebounds while Andrew Bogut had four points, 10 boards, and four assists.
Prediction
The Rockets are predicted to win this match as Harden is already playing at regular season-level. Coach Carlisle may rest some of his starters before going into the real games next week.
