Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks: Jeremy Lin Returns to NBA Action; Online Stream, TV Schedule

Jeremy Lin will return to action when the Houston Rockets host the Dallas Mavericks on Monday at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

Lin told the Houston Chronicles that he will play in their third meeting with the Mavericks this season after missing their last four games due to back spasms. The return of Lin is a much-needed boost to the Rockets, who have been slowed down injuries to key players this season.

James Harden, who leads the team in scoring with 23.9 points per game and assists with 5.9 per game, will miss his second straight game due to a high ankle sprain. 

Starting point guard Patrick Beverley, who is averaging 9.6 points to go along with 3.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game this season, will be out for the next four to six weeks, while Omer Asik remains inactive due to a thigh injury.

With several key players out on Monday, Dwight Howard said that they should remain focused and play through the current adversities that the Rockets are facing. 

"It is what it is and we just have to play through it," Howard said. "It is a long season. There are going to be a lot of injuries."

Howard is expected to carry the scoring cudgels for the Rockets anew like what he did in their dominating 114-97 win over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday. The All-Star center finished with 35 points and 19 rebounds to go along with five assists and three blocks.

"I just told my teammates to trust me and understand we play inside-out," Howard said after that game via NBA.com. "I try to make the best plays I can for this team and I just want to win. The most important part about winning is getting everyone involved and we did an excellent job (against the Pistons)."

Slowing down Howard should be the top priority of the Mavericks, who have lost in their last two and four of their last six games, including a 123-108 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Saturday.

The Mavericks limited Howard to just 13 points in their first meeting this season on Nov. 1, but the 28-year-old superstar center wrecked havoc in their second meeting on Nov. 20, tallying 33 points on 12-for-16 shooting and 11 rebounds.

Online Streaming and TV Schedule

The third meeting between the Rockets and the Mavericks will start at 8 p.m EST and will be broadcasted live on Fox Sports South West and CSN Houston. Online streaming is also available through NBA League Pass, while live stats and game information are available on NBA.com.