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Mavericks seek to avenge early season loss to Rockets

Jan 16, 2007 - 3:53 PM Houston (25-13) at Dallas (31-8) 8:30 pm EST

DALLAS (Ticker) -- The Dallas Mavericks are a much improved team than the one the Houston Rockets faced in early November.

The Mavericks try to win for the 18th time in 19 games and extend their home winning streak to 11 in Tuesday's encounter with the Rockets, who have captured nine of their last 10 contests.

Dallas lost its first four games of the campaign, including a 107-76 defeat to Houston on November 4. The Mavericks managed just 15 points in the fourth quarter and finished with 22 turnovers.

Since its sluggish start, Dallas has won 31 of its last 35 and owns the league's best record. The Mavericks are ranked fourth in points allowed (92.5), and have taken 17 of their last 18 home contests.

Dallas is coming off Sunday's 97-96 triumph over the Toronto Raptors. Josh Howard hit the go-ahead layup with less than a second remaining and Dirk Nowitzki scored 38 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Houston has managed to keep winning despite the loss of center Yao Ming, who fractured his right leg in a December 23 game.

The Rockets won their fourth consecutive contest, a 115-111 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday. Tracy McGrady scored 37 points, Rafer Alston added 22 and Dikembe Mutombo grabbed 18 rebounds for Houston.

Dallas has won 12 of the last 17 meetings against Houston.