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Nowitzki, Mavs look for third consecutive win

Nov 14, 2006 - 2:22 PM Chicago (3-3) at Dallas (2-4) 8:30 pm EST

DALLAS (Ticker) - The Dallas Mavericks got off to a poor start but appear to have picked up some momentum.

Superstar Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks go for their third straight victory when the Chicago Bulls pay a visit on Tuesday.

On Sunday, Nowitzki recorded 26 points and 10 rebounds and speedy Jason Terry chipped in 24 points as Dallas posted an 103-96 triumph over the Portland Trail Blazers. It was just the second time they kept an opponent under 100 points this campaign.

After starting the season with a dismal 0-4 record, the Mavericks have managed to post consecutive wins.

Kirk Hinrich scored a season-best 23 points and Luol Deng added 21 and a season-high 12 rebounds for the Bulls in Saturday's 89-80 victory against the Indiana Pacers. Defensive specialist Ben Wallace had eight points and a season-high 18 rebounds in the win.

Chicago is opening a seven-game road trip necessitated by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus' stand at the United Center. The Bulls are just a lowly 4-42 when their arena is occupied by the circus since 1999-2000.

The Mavericks have won 15 of their last 16 meetings against the Bulls, including a 98-94 win here on January 31 last season. The 7-foot Nowitzki has averaged 20.5 points in his last 15 matchups vs. Chicago.