Mavericks rule out Rajon Rondo indefinitely to ego injury — err, I mean “back” injury

Rajon Rondo melted down in Game 2 and now he’s reportedly out “indefinitely” this series.

This isn’t even questionable — anyone who watched Rondo in Game 2 knows that he completely checked out and was looking for a fight. To suggest he can’t play because of a back injury is a blatant cover-up by Dallas.

But that doesn’t really matter. The question is — does this help or hurt the Rockets? Rondo is the best defender that the Mavericks can throw at James Harden, but as we’ve talked about in the last few podcasts, he is a complete mess for that Dallas team on the offensive end of the ball. The Rockets are consistently able to sag off Rondo and force him to shoot outside shots, where he’s a total train wreck.

The Rockets will be seeing a lot more of JJ Barea, Ray Felton and Devin Harris (once healthy from a toe injury) in this series, so some adjustments will have to be made. Jason Terry has been fantastic shooting the ball in the series (6-9 from three-point range) but can be a liability on defense. I don’t think any player in that mediocre Dallas trio is going to force the Rockets to slide Trevor Ariza or Corey Brewer over, but it’s something to keep an eye on in Game 3 this Friday.

But with the Mavericks giving up three key contributors in Brandan Wright, Jae Crowder and Jameer Nelson, plus a first round pick, for Rondo, I’m reminded of Mavericks owner Mark Cuban’s comments this past summer when talking about the difference between the Mavericks and the Rockets.

“(The Rockets) just have a different understanding and approach to chemistry than we do,” said Cuban. “Some teams, and that’s not just the Rockets, just put together talent and the talent takes care of itself. We think chemistry matters.”

Talk about blowing up in your face.