Mavs try to lasso Wizards in DC

Dallas, winners of two straight and five of their last six games, is one-half game ahead of Southwest Division-rival San Antonio into sole possession of first place in the West.

In their last game Wednesday against Houston, the Mavs got 30 points and 11 rebounds from Dirk Nowitzki, who sparked his team to a 95-81 win at the Toyota Center. Jason Terry scored 19 points for the Mavericks.

The Mavericks are 9-3 in their last 12 road games and 22-9 as the guest this season. They will close their road trip Sunday at New Jersey.

Washington, meanwhile, is seeded fifth in the Eastern Conference playoff race and will try to extend its three-game winning streak versus Dallas.

The Wizards notched a 107-99 win over Charlotte on Wednesday. Gilbert Arenas scored 34 points and Antawn Jamison scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Wizards, who swept the Bobcats in a home-and-home series.

After Friday’s game against the Mavs, Washington will conclude its four- game homestand versus Chicago and New Jersey.

Dallas won the first meeting of the season with the Wizards by a 103-97 score on February 15 in Texas. Josh Howard netted a team-best 26 points and Nowitzki added 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists in that victory.

The Mavericks have won four straight and seven of the last eight meetings with Washington. Dallas also has won six of seven in DC.