Howard leads Rockets over Mavericks 100-95

HOUSTON -- Dwight Howard had 15 points and 17 rebounds and James Harden scored 19 to help the Houston Rockets to a 100-95 win over the Dallas Mavericks on in a preseason game on Monday night.

Houston coach Kevin McHale moved Howard to power forward on Monday to get 7-foot center Omer Asik in the lineup with the team's new acquisition. Asik had four points and nine rebounds in his first game this season after dealing with a calf injury.

The game was tied late in the third before the Rockets used a 7-0 run to take a 77-70 lead and hold on for the win.

Dirk Nowitzki had 11 points and four blocked shots before he was ejected late in the third quarter after drawing a flagrant two foul for knocking Omri Casspi to the ground on a fast break.