There are seven games on the NBA docket Friday following a rather shocking Thursday that saw the two slumping New York teams go on the road and beat two of the elite in the Western Conference. The game of the night will occur in Texas between two high-powered Western Conference squads. Let’s take a look at the action.
2014 NBA schedule: Streaking Mavericks host Clippers, Knicks aim for 2 straight Texas wins
The Mavs gun for a fourth straight win when the Clippers come to town on Friday, while the Knicks hope to build off their stunning victory over the Spurs.
Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE
The main course: Los Angeles Clippers at Dallas Mavericks
8:30 p.m. ET
The Mavs have been on a roll of late, winners of three in a row. The last victory was a rather unconventional one for Dallas, as they beat the Washington Wizards despite matching a season-low in points with 87. The 78 points allowed was their lowest of the year.
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What Mavs Moneyball would like to see from their team in 2014 The Mavs will almost certainly have to score more than 87 to extend their winning streak to four games with the Clippers coming to town. Los Angeles has had some tough luck on the road of late, but it hasn’t been due to a lack of offense. Last week, the Clippers lost back-to-back games on the road by a combined four points at Golden State and Portland.
The play of the two star power forwards will be something to watch. Blake Griffin continued his strong stretch with 31 points and 12 rebounds in a blowout victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday. For the Mavs, Dirk Nowitzki has struggled of late and rolled his ankle against the Wizards. He is a gametime decision after riding a bike during morning shootaround, according to ESPN Dallas' Tim MacMahon
The appetizer: New York Knicks at Houston Rockets
8 p.m. ET, NBA TV
Yes, there are a few other earlier games that could be seen as more appealing. The Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards tilt should be a good one, while there should be plenty of excitement when the Golden State Warriors take on the Atlanta Hawks. But Knicks-Rockets has a ton of intrigue.
First of all, it's the Knicks, and entertainment value there can often be pretty high no matter what. Second, New York is coming off their best win of the season after shocking the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night thanks to a monster performance by Iman Shumpert. The young guard scored a career-high 27 points and netted the game-winner on a ridiculous tip-in off a miss by Carmelo Anthony.
Lastly, it's Jeremy Lin hosting his former team. Lin has had quite a bit of success against his former squad, totaling 43 points over the last two meetings.
The dessert: Memphis Grizzlies at Denver Nuggets
9 p.m. ET
The Grizzlies and Nuggets had playoff hopes before the season, but only one of the teams is showing any promise right now. Memphis has won four of six games, including a 120-99 thrashing of Denver last Saturday and a solid win over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets have lost eight in a row and are in complete disarray. Andre Miller will miss the game due to a suspension received for mouthing off to head coach Brian Shaw about a lack of playing time.
The other games (all times ET)
Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards, 7 p.m.
Golden State Warriors at Atlanta Hawks, 7:30 p.m.
New Orleans Pelicans at Boston Celtics, 7:30 p.m.
Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Lakers, 10:30 p.m.
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