The Southwest Division was a slaughterhouse in 2014-15, but despite beating up on one another all year, all five teams ultimately managed to reach the post-season.
Two of those squads will meet right away, as the second-seeded Houston Rockets take on their rivals to the north, the Dallas Mavericks.
Drama between these two clubs started in the offseason when Houston failed to match Dallas’s offer on swingman Chandler Parsons. His status for game one is uncertain, but Parsons should eventually have the chance to stick it to his former franchise.
Both front offices made big splashes in the middle of the season, as the Rockets signed Detroit Pistons castoff Josh Smith and the Mavs swung a deal with the Boston Celtics to bring in point guard Rajon Rondo.
These teams can score with the best of them, and if the regular season series is any indication, basketball fans are in for a treat.
Marquee matchup: James Harden vs. Monta Ellis
Harden enjoyed his most prolific statistical campaign in 2014-15, and is a favourite for the Most Valuable Player award. Aside from dropping better than 27 points per game, Harden is the team’s primary ball handler, and he consistently hooks up his teammates, as evidenced by his seven assists per. While he can certainly knock down the three, the Beard victimizes defences by driving the lane and drawing contact. He attempted 10.2 free throws a night in the regular season, leading the league in that department.
If there is one weakness in Harden’s game it definitely comes on the defensive end, and that’s where Ellis comes in. The Mississippi native got off to a torrid start, averaging 20.4 points per game over the first three months of the season. Although he cooled down a touch in the second half, Ellis should be primed for a big series—in four regular-season games against Houston, the dynamic guard averaged a line of 20.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists.
Role player to watch – Houston: Corey Brewer
Houston rescued Brewer from the Western Conference-worst Minnesota Timberwolves 24 games into the season, and the eighth-year man rewarded his new team with improved scoring despite seeing less minutes. Slotting in behind either Harden or defensive wizard Trevor Ariza on the depth chart, Brewer will often be tasked with guarding the Mavericks’ best wing player.
Role player to watch – Dallas: J.J. Barea
An injury to Patrick Beverley has left the Rockets without a starting-calibre point guard, but the one spot is Dallas’s deepest position. Barea provides coach Rick Carlisle with a solid 17 minutes per game, during which he averages 7.5 points and 3.4 assists. The native of Puerto Rico has plenty of playoff experience, helping Dallas win the title in 2011.
Season series: Rockets won 3-1.
Rockets stats leaders:
Points: James Harden (27.4)
Assists: James Harden (7.0)
Rebounds: Dwight Howard (10.5)
Mavericks stats leaders:
Points: Monta Ellis (18.9)
Assists: Rajon Rondo (6.5)
Rebounds: Tyson Chandler (11.5)
Prediction: Rockets in six.
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