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Nets G Harris returns to face former club

Mar 8, 2008 - 2:05 PM New Jersey (26-36) at Dallas (39-23) 8:30 pm EST

DALLAS (Ticker) - Former guard Devin Harris might have a bone to pick with the Dallas Mavericks.

Harris on Saturday returns to Dallas for the first time since being traded to the New Jersey Nets.

After spending 3 1/2 seasons in Dallas, Harris last month was sent packing to the Nets in exchange for All-Star Jason Kidd and Malik Allen, in trade that was suppose bolster the Mavericks' championship chances out West.

The 6-4 Harris is averaging 18.4 points since being traded to the Nets, who are barely holding on to the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Richard Jefferson poured in 27 points to lead four starters in double figures Friday, but it wasn't enough as the Nets lost their fourth straight game, 107-96, to New Orleans.

With Dirk Nowitzki serving a one-game suspension, Dallas was unable to overcome the red-hot Houston Rockets in Thursday's 113-93 loss here.

"They just outworked us to a man, every position," Mavericks guard Jason Terry said. "That's something we can't allow to happen."

Nowitzki has career averages of 23.4 points and 8.7 rebounds in 18 appearances against the Nets, who came away with a 19-point victory in the first meeting on February 10.