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Mavericks look for continued success against Hornets

Dec 16, 2006 - 5:48 PM Dallas (16-7) at New Orleans (10-11) 8:00 pm EST

NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- The New Orleans Hornets played one of Texas' tough teams on Thursday. Two days later, they will face another of the Lone Star State's top squads.

After a blowout loss to San Antonio, the undermanned Hornets will face off with the Dallas Mavericks Saturday in the third of six games played in New Orleans this season.

On Thursday, Rasual Butler scored 17 points, Desmond Mason 16 and Chris Paul added 12 assists for the Hornets, who fell to 1-1 on the season at New Orleans Arena with a 103-77 loss to the Spurs. They have lost eight of 10 contests after nice start to the season.

The Hornets were once again without Peja Stojakovic (back), David West (right forearm strain) and Bobby Jackson (ribs). It won't get any easier against the Mavericks, who have won 18 straight games against the Hornets franchise - the longest active streak in the NBA.

On Friday, Jason Terry scored 18 points and Dirk Nowitzki added 15 as Dallas used a balanced attack to post a 93-79 victory over Philadelphia. Erick Dampier collected 12 points and eight rebounds for the Mavericks, who shot 47 percent (34-of-73) from the field.