Preview: Rockets Look to Extend Hot Start Against Struggling Mavericks DALLAS (Interstat) — The surging Houston Rockets, owners of the Western Conference’s second-best record, visit the struggling Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night at American Airlines Center in a Texas showdown defined by contrasting trajectories. Houston (14-5) arrives having won eight of its last nine games, including a dominant 121-95 victory over Sacramento on Wednesday. The Rockets’ offense has been prolific, scoring at least 114 points in eight of those nine contests. Their early success has been fueled by center Alperen Sengun, who is playing at an MVP level. Over his last 10 games, Sengun is averaging 22.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists, including a 31-point, 14-assist, 5-block performance in a narrow loss to Utah on Dec. 1. He is supported by a veteran core featuring Kevin Durant and the versatile Amen Thompson. The Mavericks (8-15), meanwhile, are trying to build momentum after a difficult start. They have shown recent signs of life, winning three of their last five, including a 118-108 win over Miami on Wednesday. Anthony Davis has been a force, averaging 20.3 points and 11.7 rebounds over his last three games, posting a 32-point, 13-rebound effort in a win over Denver. Rookie forward Cooper Flagg and guard Ryan Nembhard provide key support. This is the second meeting between the teams this season. Houston won the first matchup 110-102 in Houston on Nov. 3. The Rockets have been strong on the road this season, while Dallas is just 5-7 at home. For the Mavericks to pull an upset, they will need to find a way to slow Houston’s high-powered offense, which leads the NBA in scoring during its recent hot stretch. Containing Sengun’s all-around game will be a primary focus for Davis and the Dallas interior defense. Conversely, the Rockets must account for Davis’s two-way impact and disrupt the chemistry between Nembhard and Flagg. Saturday’s contest opens a three-game road trip for Houston, which faces the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver and New Orleans next week. Dallas continues a four-game homestand before embarking on a challenging five-game road trip starting Dec. 15. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. CST at American Airlines Center.