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76ers aim to snap nine-game losing streak vs. Mavs

Dec 15, 2006 - 4:38 PM Philadelphia (5-16) at Dallas (15-7) 8:00 pm EST

DALLAS (Ticker) -- With the worst record in the Eastern Conference and without superstar guard Allen Iverson, the Philadelphia 76ers will face one of the NBA's best teams.

Looking to end a nine-game losing streak on Friday, the 76ers will take on the Dallas Mavericks.

After Charlotte's win vs. Orlando on Thursday, Philadelphia is the worst team in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers are have their longest losing streak since they dropped 13 in a row from December 28, 1996 to January 20, 1997.

Iverson has been inactive since requesting a trade last week. Many teams have been rumored as potential suitors for the four-time scoring champion, including the Mavericks.

Starting in Iverson's place, Kevin Ollie scored 14 points for Philadelphia in a 101-81 loss to Boston on Wednesday.

Dirk Nowitzki collected 23 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists and Josh Howard scored 29 points as Dallas used a decisive fourth-quarter run en route to a 110-101 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.

The Mavericks have split their last six meetings with Philadelphia.