(Photo: Reuters/Bill Waugh)
Dallas Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki (R) reacts after Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (L) was called for a technical foul during Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference Final basketball playoffs in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, May 21, 2011.
Christian Post Report – The Dallas Mavericks host the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center in the NBA. Tip-off is on April 2, 2015 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Houston currently leads the Texas showdown series as they have won two of their first three meetings this season.
Both teams are on track to make the playoffs in the Western Conference, with the Rockets sitting third, while the Mavericks are seventh.
Houston recently beat the Sacramento Kings 115-111 to win five of their last six of the season. Meanwhile, the Mavs beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 135-131 to increase their lead on the eighth seed to four games.
In their regular season meetings, the home team have won every time, with Houston taking the series opener with a 95-92 win at the Toyota Center. James Harden scored 32 points and took down eight rebounds in the victory, while also making 12 of his 13 attempts at the free throw line. Patrick Beverley added 20 as the point guard converted six of the 11 attempts he had from beyond the arc.
For the Mavericks, Monta Ellis led in scoring with 17 points, while Tyson Chandler was a force in the middle with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
Unfortunately, Dirk Nowitzki struggled from the field, only converting 22 percent of his attempts as he finished with 11 points.
Their second game went the same way as Houston won 99-94 at home.
Josh Smith led the balanced attack for Houston with 18 points, while a total of six players scored in double figures for the Rockets in the game.
Ellis again carried the scoring load for the Mavericks, but Chandler Parsons also produced with 25 points while shooting 5-of-8 from beyond the arc.
Dallas finally secured their first win when they played at home behind eight players scoring double figures.
Al-Farouq Aminu and Devin Harris both scored 17 points for the Mavericks, while Rajon Rondo, Chandler Parsons and Charlie Villanueva helped with 13. Ellis and Nowitzki had 12 each as the Mavs shot 47 percent from the field, while holding the Rockets to 41 percent.
In the losing effort, Harden had 26 points but lacked help from his other teammates.
To get updates and scores on this match, visit NBA.com. For live streaming, click here.
Source : Christian Post