Southwest rivals Houston and Dallas take aim at each other this evening as the two squads attempt to win their third straight game. Tonight's divisional clash is scheduled to tip off at 8:30pm ET at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The latest NBA Odds are favoring the hosting Mavericks by 6.5 points; the game total is set at 204.
Houston is still struggling to reach the 
break even point, but if it holds its recent course, the team can expect to get over the hump soon. The Rockets, winners in five of their last seven, won their second straight game on Wednesday night to improve to 22-25 overall (17.5 games back of first place San Antonio).
Houston beat the surging Clippers 96-83 at the Toyota Center thanks to an unexpected defensive performance. Los Angeles hit just 36.4 percent of its field goal attempts, including a miserable 3-of-18 from three point range, against the Rockets usually pourous defense.
Offensively point guard Kyle Lowry led the way for Head Coach Rick Adelman, scoring 20 points, grabbing six boards, and dishing eight assists.
Houston, which begins a four game road swing this evening, is 9-15 away from the Toyota Center. The Rockets have won three of their last four road games, though, beating the likes of Boston and Atlanta.
Dallas won for the third time in its last four games on Tuesday night to bring its record to 29-15 on the season. The Mavericks softend up the Clippers for Houston, taking out Blake Griffin and company 112-105 at the American Airlines Center.
Dallas, which trailed 33-25 after the first quarter of play, had four players score over 20 points in the win, including a team high 28 from Jason Terry off the bench. Dirk Nowitzki, in his sixth game back since injuring his knee, dropped in 20 points on 6-of-15 shooting.
The 29-15 Mavs, who are nine games behind the Spurs in the Southwest standings, are 3-3 in their last six games hosting the Rockets.
NBA Odds Betting Trend: Dallas is 1-9 against the spread (6-4 straight up) in its last 10 games as a home favorite with a total between 200 and 205.
Rockets vs Mavericks NBA Odds – January 27th, 2011:
Houston Rockets +6.5 (-110), Over 204 (-110), +230 (Moneyline)
Dallas Mavericks -6.5 (-110), Under 204 (-110), -270 (Moneyline)
