The Houston Rockets haven’t won an opening game since 2017, an 0-8 run that’s gotta weigh heavy on the squad. Tonight, they welcome the Dallas Mavericks to town, a squad bringing some serious heat with three number one overall picks. For a team desperate to start 1-0, this is no walk in the park.
The Rockets’ Opener Curse: Can They Break It Tonight?
Seriously, it’s been a minute since Houston tasted victory on opening night. That last win back in 2017 was against the Golden State Warriors, and it was a nail-biter, 122-121, only happening because Kevin Durant’s shot was ruled just a beat too late. Since then? Zip. An 0-8 record in openers. Even worse, they haven’t won a *home* opener since 2013, a game against the Charlotte… Bobcats. Yeah, that’s how long it’s been. It’s weird to say an opening game is important, but with Houston heading straight into a road back-to-back against San Antonio, getting that 1-0 record for the first time in nine years is huge.
Mavs Are Stacked and Ready for Battle
The Mavericks are rolling into town with a new look that’s got everyone talking. They’ve added Zaccharie Risacher, bringing their count of former number one overall picks to three. Plus, Kyrie Irving is back on the court, and Dereck Lively II, who only played seven games last season before foot surgery, is a game time decision. Those guys will need time to gel, but talk about a challenge! Dallas also poached Michigan’s head coach, Dusty May, so there are a lot of new pieces to integrate. Don’t forget about exciting rookie Morez Johnson Jr., drafted straight out of Michigan. Even with all the new faces needing to get into game shape, veterans like P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, and Daniel Gafford are ready to provide solid play. Last season, these Southwest Division foes split their four contests, with the home team taking every game. And let’s not forget, Cooper Flagg and Max Christie gave Houston more than enough trouble last year, even without Irving on the floor.
Houston’s Own New Faces
The Rockets are also integrating some fresh blood and returning players. Fred VanVleet missed all of last season, a tough break for them. Steven Adams only played 32 games total. Dorian Finney-Smith never got healthy, so he’s gone. But they’ve brought in Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic, two names that could make a real difference. With all these changes, both teams will need time to find their rhythm, but for Houston, breaking that opening night curse tonight is paramount.
Tip-off is at 7:30pm CT on Space City Home Network. Houston needs to come out strong, especially with Santi Aldama, Dereck Lively II, and Jett Howard all listed as GTD for Dallas. The line has Houston as -8.5 favorites. Can they finally break the streak before hitting the road for San Antonio on Friday night? Fingers crossed!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Dream Shake.
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