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Heat attempt to end skid against Mavs

Nov 27, 2010 - 4:09 PM (Sports Network) - The presence of LeBron James may help the Miami Heat end their lengthy losing streak to the Dallas Mavericks, as both clubs collide tonight at American Airlines Center.

Dallas has won 12 in a row and 18 of the past 20 matchups with Miami, losers in eight straight and nine of 10 games as the guest in this series.

The Mavericks will also host the Rockets and Timberwolves on their homestand, and own a 5-3 record in Big D this season. They recorded their fourth straight win with Friday's 103-94 triumph over the red-hot San Antonio Spurs, who had their 12-game winning streak stopped.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 26 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out five assists, while Tyson Chandler and Shawn Marion each chipped in 19 points for the Mavericks, who got 12 points apiece from Jason Kidd and Jason Terry.

"We didn't know what the streak (Spurs winning streak) was," Terry said. "It's just a matter that they're playing well, we've been playing pretty good and we know that this is our rival. This is what the rivalry is about. We play them three more times and probably in the playoffs again. They're playing well this year and they're not going to stop now just because they lost this one."

Dallas, which has won eight of 10 games overall, suspended center Brendan Haywood for the game due to an undisclosed violation of team rules. Haywood is expected to return tonight.

Miami ended a three-game losing streak with Friday night's 99-90 win over Philadelphia at home and has prevailed in four of its last seven games.

Dwyane Wade tallied 23 points, eight assists and six rebounds for the Heat, who got 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists from James.

"We have to get away from worrying about how we get wins. We have to focus on getting wins," Wade said. "Internally we can't worry about blowouts. We have to worry about playing well."

Chris Bosh rounded out the Miami's Big Three with 18 points and nine boards. The Heat will try to work on their 2-4 road ledger tonight and have dropped three straight away from south Florida.