Dallas Mavericks: Chance to Build With Three Home Games

by +Rodney Fisher 

Mavs have three home games in a row. Photo credit ESPN 

After getting only their second win on the road this season against the Orlando Magic, the Mavericks return home with the chance to create some separation between the win and loss column.


The Mavericks, like the Southwest Division leading San Antonio Spurs (9-1), are undefeated at home. In their four wins at home they have not faced a team with a winning record. During the three game home stand they will only face one winning team, the Houston Rockets. A win against them would split their season series 1-1. 

The Philadelphia 76ers come to town on Monday with rookie sensation Michael Carter-Williams. Without him, the 76ers beat the Rockets in overtime last week putting up 123 points. They followed up their efforts by losing two in row to Atlanta and New Orleans on the road. The Pelicans torched them for 135. Dallas will make their third road game in four nights. MCW did not play in those games either.

Dwight Howard and the Houston Rockets roll up I-45 on Wednesday for a second game of a back-to-back. They play the young, feisty Boston Celtics. Houston ranks 29th in opponents points per game, but second for points per game. James Harden is not 100%, but will mostly likely play. 

The Utah Jazz (1-10) stumble in to town on Friday night. This will be their second game of a three game road trip. Their only win of the season was at home to the Pelicans. They will have the chance to avenge themselves Wednesday in New Orleans.

Coach Rick Carlisle downplayed the importance of winning the next three. "We just got to go day-to-day," he commented after the win in Orlando, "None of us are going to get to ahead of ourselves," he continued, "we have done some good things, but when you go home to play two or three games in a row it's a really important time and we have to stay focused."

Dirk was vintage Dirk throughout the team's two game trip through Florida. He put up 28 points against the Heat and 18 over the Magic. Just when we all thought he was shooting enough.

Monta Ellis continues to rack up the points and minutes. He is still averaging over 38 minutes a night. Carlisle has stated that when both rookie Shane Larkin and veteran Devin Harris return from injury he can lighten his load some. Ellis does not seem to mind playing the additional minutes.

Interesting Note: Shane Larkin has been more active in practice and could make his Mavs debut during the home stand. 

Upcoming Schedule:
Mon, Nov 18 vs Philadelphia
Wed, Nov 20 vs Houston 
Fri, Nov 22 vs Utah