Dallas Mavericks Team Report - March 8

(Basketball News) - The Dallas Mavericks try to avoid their fourth consecutive loss tonight when they welcome the Phoenix Suns to the AmericanAirlines Center.

The Mavs’ latest setback came on Sunday, as they found themselves on the wrong end of a 101-98 decision to Lone Star State rival Houston at the Toyota Center.

Steve Nash led the way for Dallas with 22 points and nine assists, while Dirk Nowitzki added 18 points and nine steals for the Mavs, who forced 30 turnovers in the loss and set a franchise-record with 20 steals.

Dallas, whose current slide comes on the heels of a six-game winning streak, has slipped to fifth in the Western Conference playoff race, just two games behind the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Mavericks, who will hit the road for three games after tonight’s tilt, have won 16 of their last 18 at home and are 28-4 in their gym this season.

Dallas lost to Phoenix earlier in the season, but could have the advantage tonight as the home team in this series has won 10 of the last 11 meetings. The Mavs have also won five of the last nine matchups, including the last five and eight of the last nine in Big D.