GAME 68: HOU (41-24) @ DAL (40-28) | 149-153 OT loss

[Kammrath]

[omahen]

We have to win this one. Surely the game will be physical so we have to show some muscle and heart.

[Hypermav]

Lets hope Ben McLemore doesn't go career night against the Mavs.  I'm guessing that is who will replace Gordon.

[Luka_Magic]

Believe the latest is that they're going to slot danuel house in there in Gordon's stead. 

As always, a must win game.

[aguiar95]

I hope HOU don't watch our last scrimmage, if they do Russ is gonna drop 40 pts on pos-ups. KP HAS to take advantage on the mismatches.

[omahen]

I hope HOU don't watch our last scrimmage, if they do Russ is gonna drop 40 pts on pos-ups. KP HAS to take advantage on the mismatches.

I really wonder how will they distribute defensive assignments. Who will KP guard. I would probably put him on Westbrook. 

The only way I see KP take advantage of mismatches is with offensive rebounds, perhaps as a rolling man - although Luka and KP usually go for pick and pop. He is not strong enough (too high center of gravity) to post up smaller players. We have another player who should absolutely toy with Houston Little People

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How do you think Houston guards us? I guess Tucker and Covington on KP and Luka. It would be crucial if Luka could fill one of them with fouls early.

[dirkfansince1998]

I hope HOU don't watch our last scrimmage, if they do Russ is gonna drop 40 pts on pos-ups. KP HAS to take advantage on the mismatches.

I really wonder how will they distribute defensive assignments. Who will KP guard. I would probably put him on Westbrook. 

The only way I see KP take advantage of mismatches is with offensive rebounds, perhaps as a rolling man - although Luka and KP usually go for pick and pop. He is not strong enough (too high center of gravity) to post up smaller players. We have another player who should absolutely toy with Houston Little People

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How do you think Houston guards us? I guess Tucker and Covington on KP and Luka. It would be crucial if Luka could fill one of them with fouls early.

Covington is the rim protector. Or at least he was prior to the break. They rarely use him against the best opposing player and try to take advantage of his great help defense.

[Darth Cuban]

I hope HOU don't watch our last scrimmage, if they do Russ is gonna drop 40 pts on pos-ups. KP HAS to take advantage on the mismatches.

I really wonder how will they distribute defensive assignments. Who will KP guard. I would probably put him on Westbrook. 

The only way I see KP take advantage of mismatches is with offensive rebounds, perhaps as a rolling man - although Luka and KP usually go for pick and pop. He is not strong enough (too high center of gravity) to post up smaller players. We have another player who should absolutely toy with Houston Little People

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How do you think Houston guards us? I guess Tucker and Covington on KP and Luka. It would be crucial if Luka could fill one of them with fouls early.

KP scored 35 points in the last game vs Houston with only 1 made 3 pointer and had 3 offensive rebounds. Luka didn’t play.

[michaeltex]

KP should light them up again. Bobi could have a field day on on offense, but he'd probably be a liability on defense. Luka on the post might be a money-maker. If we get them focused enough on the inside, then Seth, THJ and Maxi should have a lot of good looks from 3pt range.

One of the keys will be to not get too worked up about Harden and Westbrook driving to the basket. If Harden is dominating the ball, don't add to his point totals by getting caught in his fouling game. Stay out of foul trouble in the first half then make them pay in the 2nd.

If they move House to the starting lineup, their bench will be even thinner, so this might get ugly when the starters sit. I'm hoping so at least.

It would be great to be only 1/2 game out with 6 to play.

[omahen]

with 6 to play.

Seven to play

[michaeltex]

Even better. 

[iolide]

Guys, I'm genuinely happy to see this post. Amazing that we are once again here, together; all of us. A few months ago, i wondered when i would be able to watch something like again. And here we are, a day away from a real life Mavericks game. Luka, KP, Maxi, Boban, JJ, the guys; all on my tv again. That's whats up. I'm just happy to see another game. Against the Rockets? Pfft, hell yeah. Whoop that ass. Luka goes off against the Rockets, for whatever reason. I've noticed he plays his best against Rockets/Spurs. I think his Spanish influence, and their views on rivalries; has something to do with him probably catapulting the Mavs as best in Texas now. Tee hee.

W.

[IamDougieFresh]

Don't forget that Rick exploited the Rox earlier in the season by forcing the ball out of Jim Harden's hands.

[ItsGoTime]

Waiting on the Dr. to claim what type of game this is. At that point the pre-game part of the thread will be complete!

[MrGoat]

Will be interesting to watch the effort level in this one. This game is almost completely meaningless in the scheme of things. Houston has clinched and we have a huge cushion with home field meaning nothing in these playoffs. Basically just need to stay healthy here

[dirkfansince1998]

Will be interesting to watch the effort level in this one. This game is almost completely meaningless in the scheme of things. Houston has clinched and we have a huge cushion with home field meaning nothing in these playoffs. Basically just need to stay healthy here

Mavs are still trying to avoid the Clippers. Not likely but also not impossible.

[ItsGoTime]

Will be interesting to watch the effort level in this one. This game is almost completely meaningless in the scheme of things. Houston has clinched and we have a huge cushion with home field meaning nothing in these playoffs. Basically just need to stay healthy here

Mavs are still trying to avoid the Clippers. Not likely but also not impossible.

This game is a large help in accomplishing that goal too.

[Hypermav]

Believe the latest is that they're going to slot danuel house in there in Gordon's stead. 

As always, a must win game.

https://twitter.com/Rockets_Insider/status/1288929182395895808?s=20

Looks that way.

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https://twitter.com/BenDuBose/status/128...65281?s=20

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https://twitter.com/AdamSpolane/status/1...27490?s=20

[ClutchDirk]

https://media.giphy.com/media/3rgXBK5ADO.../giphy.gif

[haveitall]

Just like the players I will take a knee and skip this season in protest of BLM.