Houston -5 vs. Dallas

The battle of Texas will commence tonight in Houston as the Mavericks travel west to take on the Rockets at the Toyota Center. But just what Rockets team will the Mavericks see?

Houston (7-4) lost three of their best players in their 100-89 win over Oklahoma City Monday night, which was their second straight victory. First Tracy McGrady was hobbled by a recurring knee injury and left the game in the opening minute of the second half. Yao Ming, who has suffered with leg and foot problem since he joined the league, left with under 4 minutes remaining in the game and finally Ron Artest joined them in the MASH unit in the final minute of the game with a twisted ankle. All three still may play, but it is unknown if their lingering dings will hamper their play against the rival Mavericks.

McGrady is the cloudiest of the three. He had off-season knee surgery and may look to take some time off until it properly heals. McGrady practiced with the team Tuesday, however, skipping a MRI and he may wish to give it one more go before going under the knife again.

It has been a strange season for Dallas (3-7). They have struggled mightily all season long, but have managed to string two wins in a row for the first time all season. They have a way to go if they want to erase the five game skid that preceded their modest two game winning streak.

It has been no less strange off the court either as Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was indicted on insider trading Monday. Cuban was in attendance Tuesday night and was less of a distraction then, perhaps, an inspiration as Dallas played one of their better games of the year by scoring the first 15 points in route to a 100-83 home win against Charlotte.

On the day before Halloween the teams met in Dallas with Houston winning 112-102. Dirk Nowitzki led all scores with 36 in a losing effort. Houston had a stellar effort from Yao (30 points), Artest (29) and McGrady (16), so it is crucial that the trio play and play well for the Rockets.

InSpin.com