HOUSTON — After pushing one of the NBA’s upper-echelon teams for four quarters in the last game without a bevy of their veteran leaders, the Dallas Mavericks hope to head into the All-Star break on a high note Tuesday night at American Airlines Center.
Traveling to Houston minus 13-time All-Star Dirk Nowitzki (left ankle effusion), veteran guard J.J. Barea (return from injury management) and swingman Wesley Matthews (lower back tightness), the Mavericks (18-39) fought hard against the rival Rockets before suffering a 104-97 defeat Sunday evening. The Mavs now hope to bounce back on their home hardwood in the final test before the lengthy layoff, welcoming the Sacramento Kings to town.