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Mavericks host Lakers; Odom out

Dec 13, 2006 - 4:46 PM LA Lakers (15-6) at Dallas (14-7) 9:30 pm EST

DALLAS (Ticker) -- After losing three out of their last five games, the Dallas Mavericks will look to take advantage of a golden opportunity and get back on a hot streak.

The Mavericks on Wednesday will host the Los Angeles Lakers, who will be playing without injured forward Lamar Odom.

Dallas started the season a franchise-worst 0-4, but then went on a 12-game winning streak before dropping three of their last five contests.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Mavericks, who shot 38 percent (26-of-69) in a 101-79 loss at Utah on Monday. Deron Williams had 18 points and seven assists as Jazz coach Jerry Sloan become the fifth man in NBA history to win 1,000 games in his coaching career.

Just 2-3 in their last five games against the Lakers here, the Mavericks will not have to worry about facing Odom, who sprained the MCL in his right knee just four minutes into a 102-94 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday.

Even without the services of its second-leading scorer and top rebounder, Los Angeles grabbed a 27-point lead with 9:45 remaining but needed to hold on for its third straight win.

Kwame Brown converted a crucial follow shot to help turn aside a late charge by the Rockets and Kobe Bryant finished with 22 points for the Lakers.

Los Angeles will match its season high winning streak with a fourth straight win on Wednesday.