Red-hot Mavericks try to continue winning ways in Chicago

Dallas, which leads the Southwest Division by 5 1/2 games over idle San Antonio, is 2-0 on the trip and notched a 111-95 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday at Amway Arena.

Dirk Nowitzki poured in 33 points with 10 rebounds and eight assists, as the Mavericks won for the 21st time over the past 22 contests. Josh Howard added 25 points and Jason Terry posted 14 points and six assists for Dallas, which has won five in a row on the road.

The Mavericks are 16-5 away from American Airlines Center this season and defeated Chicago, 111-99, at home on November 14 this season. Dallas has won three straight and 16 of the last 17 meetings with the Bulls.

Dallas is also unbeaten in its last seven trips to the Windy City.

Chicago resumes a three-game homestand on Thursday and put the brakes on a two-game losing streak with Tuesday’s 94-86 triumph over the Atlanta Hawks in the opener of the stand at the United Center.

Luol Deng recorded 18 points and P.J. Brown added 15 points and nine rebounds for the Bulls, who are 18-6 as the host this season and 1 1/2 games off the lead in the Central standings. Andres Nocioni came off the bench to post 14 points, while Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon netted 12 apiece in the win.

The Bulls close out the homestand against Miami on Saturday AmericanAirlines Arena.