Hornets, Raptors clash at Ford Center

On Saturday, All-Star Dirk Nowitzki scored 28 points and pulled down nine rebounds to lift the Dallas Mavericks past the Hornets, 85-73, at American Airlines Center.

Jannero Pargo finished with 19 points and reigning Rookie of the Year Chris Paul contributed 12 points and five steals in the loss to Dallas for the Hornets, who have lost six of their last 10 games overall.

The Hornets, who play the first of a two-game homestand, are 4-1 as the host this season. They will host Ben Gordon and the Chicago Bulls on Friday.

Toronto plays the first of a two-game road trip. Chris Bosh scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Raptors defeated the Indiana Pacers, 92-83, on Sunday at Air Canada Centre.

Rookie Andrea Bargnani contributed 14 points, while Jorge Garbajosa and Jose Calderon both netted 13 for the Raptors, who have won two of their last three contests since dropping six straight games.

The Raptors are 0-7 on the road this season. They will visit the Mavericks on Wednesday at American Airlines Center.

Toronto has lost 11 of its last 15 at the Hornets. The Raptors are 5-14 at the Hornets.

This is the first of two meetings between the clubs this season. The Raptors are scheduled to host the Hornets on January 24, 2007 at Air Canada Centre.