Mavs visit McGrady-less Rockets

(Basketball News) - Southwest Division rivals meet tonight, as the Dallas Mavericks visit the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center.

This is the third meeting of the season between the squads. In the two previous contests, the Mavericks picked up a win on the road and at American Airlines Center.

The Mavericks have won six of eight and seven of their last 10 at Houston.

Dallas is scheduled to host the Rockets on March 21st in the fourth and final contest of the campaign between the clubs.

Houston will try and halt a two-game losing streak, as it plays the second of a four-game homestand. On Monday, Vince Carter ended with 29 points and Jason Kidd collected a triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists to pace the New Jersey Nets to a 90-77 victory over the Rockets at the Toyota Center.

All-Star center Yao Ming scored 36 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the loss to New Jersey for the Rockets, who have lost four of their last eight contests. Rafer Alston netted 14, while Juwan Howard scored nine and grabbed 13 rebounds.

The Rockets are without All-Star forward Tracy McGrady, who is sidelined indefinitely with a back injury. He is averaging a team-best 24.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 47 games this season.

Houston is just 13-19 at the Toyota Center this season. The Rockets are also scheduled to host the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers on the current stand.

The Mavericks begin a three-game road trip this evening. On Tuesday, Dirk Nowitzki poured in 30 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and dished out six assists, as Dallas overcame a 19-point deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 91-87, at American Airlines Center.

Jason Terry added 20 points and Marquis Daniels contributed 17 in the win over the Cavaliers for Dallas, which has won four of its last five games overall.

Dallas is 21-9 as the visitor this season. It has lost three of its last five on the road.