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Mavericks look to continue hot play vs. sliding Lakers

Mar 11, 2007 - 5:29 PM Dallas (51-9) at LA Lakers (33-30) 9:00 pm EDT

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - Just over two months ago, the Dallas Mavericks arrived at the Staples Center with a 13-game winning streak and left with a loss. There is a similar scenario Sunday.

Carrying a franchise-record 16-game winning streak, the Mavericks again visit the Los Angeles Lakers, who will be trying to avoid a sixth straight loss.

On January 7, Dallas was dealt a 101-98 loss here, blowing a nine-point lead and falling victim to a late 3-pointer by Sasha Vujacic. It has regrouped nicely by winning 24 of 25 games since, losing only at Chicago on January 25.

Having already clinched a playoff berth, the Mavericks will be trying to match the Phoenix Suns for the longest winning streak this season - and the seventh-longest in NBA history.

Dallas is beginning a two-game trek with plenty of rest. The Mavericks have not played since Tuesday's 102-89 victory over New Jersey in which Dirk Nowitzki collected 22 points and 11 rebounds.

When the Lakers beat the Mavericks in January, it marked their fourth straight win and ran their record to 23-11. However, they have been hit hard by injuries and plummeted in the Western Conference standings.

The Lakers are without forwards Lamar Odom (shoulder), Luke Walton (ankle) and Rony Turiaf (back). Their current slide is one shy of a six-game losing streak from February 8-21 - the longest of coach Phil Jackson's illustrious career.