Mavs hope to turn up the Heat in Miami

This is the first of two meetings between the clubs this season. The Mavericks are scheduled to host the Heat on February 9th at American Airlines Center.

The Mavericks have won two straight and five of the last six contests in this series. Dallas has won four of its last five at Miami.

Dallas is fresh off of going a perfect 4-0 on a four-game homestand. On Tuesday, All-Star Dirk Nowitzki poured in 31 points and Jason Terry netted a season-high 29, as the Mavericks took advantage of a shorthanded Houston team to beat the Rockets 102-93 at American Airlines Center.

Josh Howard finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds in the win over Houston for Dallas, which connected on 27-of-41 free throws to win its sixth straight game.

Dallas played the Rockets without guard Jerry Stackhouse (sore right knee) and forward Keith Van Horn (dislocated finger on right hand). Both players are questionable for tonight’s game.

The Mavericks are 3-2 on the road this season. They return home on Saturday to host the Memphis Grizzlies.

Miami plays the finale of a two-game homestand. On Wednesday, Dwyane Wade led a balanced scoring attack with 19 points and tied a career-high with 11 rebounds, as the Heat defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 100-79, at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Jason Williams added 16 points in the win over Portland for the Heat, while James Posey tied a season-high with 12 points for Miami, which shot 49 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Blazers, 41-35.

The Heat, who have won five of their last six games overall, are 6-1 at home this season. They are scheduled to visit the Orlando Magic on Saturday at TD Waterhouse Centre.