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Bulter, Wizards clash with Nowitzki's Mavericks

Jan 21, 2008 - 2:21 PM Dallas (27-12) at Washington (21-17) 1:00 pm EST

WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- The Washington Wizards are doing fine without Gilbert Arenas, but will get a huge test when they host the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.

Washington, which has won six of eight, improved to 18-12 without its All-Star point guard with a 111-98 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday.

Arenas, who has not played since November 16 after undergoing left knee surgery, said earlier this month that he would not rush to return if the Wizards were not in the playoff race.

But Caron Butler is doing his best to keep Washington afloat, and keep hope of Arenas' return alive. The six-year swingman is averaging a career-best 21.7 points to go with 6.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists.

Butler scored 22 points on Friday, and extended his franchise record free throws made streak to 54 - also the league high this season. As a result, the Wizards (21-17) are in second place in the Southeast Division, two games behind Orlando (25-17).

Butler is not alone though, as Antawn Jamison is also enjoying a career season. Jamison's 21.5 points per game is his best since averaging 22.2 in 2002-03 as a member of the Golden State Warriors. The 10-year veteran is also averaging a career-best 10.7 rebounds.

However, Jamison and Butler had better be on their games if they plan on beating reigning league MVP Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks.

Dallas, which has won 13 of its last 16 games, is coming off a 111-96 victory over the hapless Seattle SuperSonics on Saturday. Nowitzki scored 22 points and has scored at least 20 in 14 of his last 15 games.

Butler scored 35 points and Jamison added 27 as the Wizards posted a 110-98 road victory on November 26 in the first meeting between the teams this season. Washington has not swept Dallas since 1996-97.