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Mavericks look to halt skid against Bulls

Nov 13, 2008 - 11:18 AM Dallas (2-5) at Chicago (3-5) 8:30 p.m. EST

CHICAGO (Ticker) -- The Chicago Bulls have forged through a difficult schedule to start the season without a number of key pieces.

They may get one of those pieces back when they take on the Dallas Mavericks Friday.

Over the first eight games, Chicago's opponents have a combined record of 38-17. The Bulls have faced that tough slate while missing guards Kirk Hinrich and Larry Hughes and forward Drew Gooden for significant time.

Although Hinrich is out for about three months and Gooden is day-to-day, the Bulls were hoping to welcome back Hughes for his first action of the season after the 10-year veteran missed the first two weeks of the season with a dislocated shoulder. The return, however, could be delayed until Saturday.

Chicago pushed Atlanta to the brink of its first defeat on Tuesday behind 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists from Derrick Rose, but came up short, 113-108.

Dallas has lost three straight, allowing over 100 points in each, and finds itself at the bottom of the Southwest Division.

The Mavericks have been led by Dirk Nowitzki, who is averaging 23.6 points per game. As a team, Dallas ranks in the bottom third of the league in 3-point shooting, making just 29 percent from deep.

Jason Kidd registered his first triple-double of the season, collecting 16 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds in a 106-99 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.