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Mavericks-Clippers Preview

Apr 11, 2010 - 5:33 PM By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA STATS Senior Writer

Dallas (53-27) at Los Angeles (28-52), 10:30 p.m. EDT

With second place in the Western Conference close to being secured, the Dallas Mavericks aren't giving subpar teams much of a chance to play the role of spoiler.

The Mavericks look to take advantage of another such contest and hold on to their lead in a tight race as they visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.

Dallas (53-27) has a one-game edge as it battles three teams for the second seed in the conference. The Mavericks can finish no worse than fourth.

"Obviously we would love to be the No. 2 seed (behind the Lakers)," nine-time All-Star Dirk Nowitzki said. "We would like to have home-court advantage as long as we can. But you look at the bottom four teams, there are no easy matchups."

The Mavericks, who have clinched the Southwest Division title, conclude the season against potential first-round opponent San Antonio on Wednesday night. First, they'll try to win their sixth straight against the lowly Clippers (28-52).

Dallas had little trouble against another inferior team Saturday night, beating Sacramento 126-108.

The Mavs have won three straight by an average of 16.6 points, a stretch that included two teams that have been eliminated from playoff contention.

"Every one counts and we need them all," coach Rick Carlisle said. "Each game has a critical meaning for the playoffs. Our guys are focused on that."

Dallas has played well despite missing starting forward Shawn Marion for the last three games because of a strained oblique muscle. His status is uncertain.

Nowitzki has helped make up for Marion's absence, scoring 39 points versus the Kings after posting 40 in an 83-77 win over Portland on Friday night. He has made 68 straight free throws, breaking his franchise record of 60.

Nowitzki and Jason Kidd have been providing veteran leadership, helping Dallas avoid letdowns against opponents such as Sacramento. Kidd is coming off his 105th triple-double, recording 11 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds.

Kidd had 26 points in a 106-96 win over the Clippers on March 23 after being held to seven or fewer in his previous five games against them.

Kidd may not have to match up with Los Angeles point guard Baron Davis, who left early in the third quarter of a 107-104 victory over Golden State on Saturday night due to a sprained right wrist. His status is uncertain.

If Davis can't play, Bobby Brown is a candidate to replace him in the starting lineup.

Davis was having an outstanding game, finishing with 21 points. Chris Kaman had 27 points and 10 rebounds as Los Angeles snapped a seven-game slide.

"I hadn't realized we were on a seven-game losing streak, honestly," Kaman said. "I hadn't even thought about it. We're just trying to finish strong and think ahead a little bit to the summer. I just keep looking ahead."

Kaman has averaged 24.5 points in two games against the Mavs this season.