Mavericks vs. Rockets: WCQF Game 3 Preview

Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets
Western Conference Quarterfinals: Game 3
Rockets lead series 2-0
Fri.. April 24, 6:00 at the AAC
TV: Ch. 21, ESPN
Line: Mavs by 1

Series Results
Game 1: April 18 at Houston
Rockets 118 Mavs 108
Game 2: April 21 at Houston
Rockets 111 Mavs 99

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: J.J. Barea
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Richard Jefferson
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Rockets
PG: Jason Terry
SG: James Harden
SF: Trevor Ariza
PF: Terrence Jones
C: Dwight Howard

Series Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 102.2 (9th)
Def. Rating: 113.0 (15th)
Pace: 101.3 (1st)
Point Differential: -11.0
Rockets
Offense: 113.0 (2nd)
Defense: 102.2 (8th)
Pace: 101.3 (1st)
Point Differential: +11.0

Series Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.0
RPG: Chandler, 13.0
APG: Ellis, 3.5
SPG: Aminu, Chandler, 1.5
BPG: Aminu, 2.5
PER: Aminu, 23.1
Rockets
PPG: Harden, 24.0
RPG: Howard, 8.5
APG: Harden, 8.5
SPG: Ariza, Terry, 1.5
BPG: Howard, 53.5
PER: Howard, 32.0

Of Note

• The Mavericks will be without Chandler Parsons for the remainder of the playoffs with his knee injury that will likely require surgery. Rajon Rondo is done as well with a "back injury".
• Devin Harris is listed as probable after missing game 2 with a toe injury.
• The Mavs have come back from a 2-0 series deficit twice in franchise history. They won three straight to take a best-of-5 series with Utah in 2001, and they beat the Rockets in 7 in 2005 after losing the first two games at home.
• James Harden has been held to 24 points in both games, shooting 9-28 combined in the two games. He is 28-30 from the line though.
• J.J. Barea has averaged 14.3 points in his last 4 playoff games dating back to the 2011 Finals. He has scored at least 12 points in all 4 games.