Suns host Nowitzki and Mavs

The Mavericks have won four straight and seven of their last eight games. Their latest victory came on Tuesday evening in Dallas with a 124-98 pounding of the lowly Chicago Bulls.

Michael Finley scored a game-high 28 points and handed out six assists to lead the way for Dallas, while Nowitzki was 10-of-10 from the line and finished with 19 points and nine rebounds.

Antawn Jamison added 15 points off the bench as the Mavs improved to a perfect 8-0 at home.

The Suns had a three-game losing streak halted Tuesday night, as they were hammered by the Nuggets, 110-80, at the Pepsi Center.

Amare Stoudemire paced the Suns with a game-high 25 points and 13 boards. Stephon Marbury chipped in 20 points and 12 assists for Phoenix. Joe Johnson added 10 points in the setback.

Suns forward Shawn Marion left in the first quarter with a twisted ankle and did not return. He is questionable for tonight’s game.

The Suns have won two of the last three meetings with Dallas, including a 112-89 victory in the last matchup on April 9. The 23-point blowout was the second-worst loss for the Mavericks last season.

The teams have split the last 14 meetings, but Dallas has dropped three straight and six of seven in Arizona.

The Mavericks have won just two of six contests on the road this season, but are an impressive 7-2 against Western Conference opponents.

Phoenix is 5-3 at America West Arena this season and holds a 2-4 mark within the conference.