Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic is likely to have another huge game on Jan. 2 unless the Houston Rockets find a way to shut him down. Christian Petersen/Getty Images

KEY POINTS

  • The Mavericks are tipped to register their seventh-straight win against the Rockets
  • The Rockets have their work cut out for them as they try to lock down Luka Doncic
  • The Rockets need to take care of the ball more and get more scoring help

The streaking Dallas Mavericks are heavily favored to cop another win when they visit the cellar-dwelling Houston Rockets on Monday, January 2 at the Toyota Center.

All eyes will be on Mavs' star guard Luka Doncic, who is coming off another huge game against the San Antonio Spurs, 126-125.

The Slovenian guard finished with 51 points, nine assists, and six rebounds against the Spurs on Saturday, December 31.

In that victory, Christian Wood chipped in 25 points of his own aside from hauling down seven boards.

On the other side, all eyes will be on Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. of the Rockets.

In their loss to the New York Knicks, 88-108, Porter led the losing cause with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Green added 16 markers.

In their previous matchup last Thursday, December 29, the Mavs dominated the Rockets except for one department–rebounds (44-48).

Houston held an advantage in the offensive boards, 12-6, but they will have to do more to try and turn the tables on the surging Mavericks.

That all starts on defense which is easier said than done. Doncic is the player that the Rockets need to cool down, someone who has produced 250 points, 50 rebounds and 50 assists in five games.

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The Rockets showed that they can play solid defense but another problem that head coach Stephen Silas needs to address is the team's turnovers.

Against the Knicks, Houston had 25 turnovers, something they cannot afford against a dangerous team like the Mavericks.

Houston also needs to get more scoring help. They are one of the worst-scoring teams in the NBA today, norming 109.4 points per game.

With so many factors that need to be addressed by the Rockets, they may have their work cut out against a rolling Mavericks quintet.

Dallas will be looking for its seventh-straight win and this seems apparent unless the Rockets can pull out a miracle.

The Mavericks hold a -7.5 spread compared to the +7.5 of the Rockets.

The Mavericks-Rockets tip-off is set for 8:10 PM E.T. in Houston.

The game can be watched via NBA League Pass or through live streaming via fubo TV.

Jalen Green, Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets coach Stephen Silas needs to get more out of Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. to improve its team scoring effort. Soobum Im/Getty Images
NBA Basketball