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Mavericks, Nuggets both looking to overcome injuries

Jan 13, 2009 - 2:56 PM Dallas (22-15) at Denver (25-13) 9:00 p.m. EST

DENVER (Ticker) -- The Dallas Mavericks are struggling without Josh Howard in the lineup. The Denver Nuggets can sympathize with the Mavericks' plight.

Dallas looks to avoid its third straight loss on Tuesday when they visit the Nuggets, who are without All-Star Carmelo Anthony.

The Mavericks had won five of six games before Friday's 128-100 setback against the Phoenix Suns. Howard, who ranks third on Dallas, averaging 18.1 points per game, sprained his left wrist in the third quarter and was forced to sit out Sunday's 102-95 loss to the Sacramento Kings.

With Sunday's loss, the Mavericks have endured back-to-back setbacks for the first time since dropping five straight in early November.

Dallas will try to get back on track against Denver, which had a five-game win streak snapped during a 93-90 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Friday.

It was the first loss for the Nuggets since Anthony suffered a broken bone in his right hand against the Indiana Pacers on January 5. The 24-year-old forward, who is averaging a team-high 21.1 points per game, is expected to miss at least the next two weeks.