For most of the NBA’s 2023-24 regular season, the defensive end of the court has been a clear strength for the Houston Rockets.
But in their current three-game losing streak, they’ve allowed an average of 132.3 points per game. What was the league’s No. 2 defense (by defensive rating) has suddenly slipped to No. 6.
On Friday, the Rockets (13-12) could catch a break. While the Mavericks (16-11) rank No. 6 on offense, superstar guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are slated to miss this game due to injuries.
Doncic and Irving played key roles when these teams met in late November, The Mavericks overcame a nine-point deficit late in the third quarter on the back of a late scoring onslaught.
Both Dallas and Houston are on the first night of a back-to-back, which could perhaps prompt both teams to be more cautious with nagging injuries. The Rockets travel to New Orleans to face the Pelicans on Saturday, while the Mavericks will host the San Antonio Spurs.