The Dallas Mavericks were on fire last night, scoring 135 point in a road win at Oklahoma City. They will be back home tonight to host state rivals Houston, and James Harden is coming off a career high 51 point effort in a win over the Kings. The Mavs are only a slight favorite here at home tonight, and I think they are catching the Rockets at a good time, with both teams playing on back-to-back nights.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Home Cookin' - The Mavs have won four of their last five home meetings with the Rockets, and they have covered the spread in six of their last seven when hosting Houston.

2. Monta Ellis - After sitting out Sunday, Ellis returned last night and scored 26 points on 9-of-14 shooting. He scored 38 points on 16-of-27 shooting in a win over the Spurs in his last game in Dallas.

3. X-Factor - Fatigue will be a factor for both teams, but perhaps more so for the visitors. The Rockets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 0 days rest.

Selection: This is a play on the Dallas Mavericks.(8*)