Mavericks vs. Rockets 2015: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch NBA playoffs online
Two in-state rivals now have a lot more on the line in a first-round playoff series.
Two summers ago, both teams went after free agent Dwight Howard, with the Rockets winning out. Last July, it was the Mavericks who stole a player, signing restricted free agent Chandler Parsons from under the nose of Rockets general manager Daryl Morey. It helps both Morey and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban like to talk, and specifically, like to talk at each other, taking shots at each other's methods of team building along the way.
Now the two teams actually face each other in the playoffs for the first time since 2005. Houston grabbed the No. 2 seed on the season’s final day thanks to a San Antonio loss, finalizing a 56-win that season that nobody could have expected when you look at the injuries the Rockets had to deal with.
Mostly, it was thanks to the incredible season of James Harden, worthy of the MVP whether he wins it or not. The Mavericks made a mid-season trade to bring in Rajon Rondo specifically for situations -- to guard some of the NBA's best scoring guards. Against the Rockets, he'll be put to the test.
The war of words has already started with Cuban calling Harden the MVP because Houston isn’t a “very good team.” That only adds intrigue to the first game of this series.
Here’s how to watch:
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
TV: EPSN
Internet: WatchESPN
