Short-handed Mavericks visit disappointing Timberwolves

The Mavericks are on a two-game winning streak and have already clinched the best record in the league and the home-court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs.

Dallas will play the Timberwolves without two of its key players. Veteran guard Jerry Stackhouse (sore knee/rest) and All-Star forward Dirk Nowitzki (sore left ankle/rest) will have the night off. Nowitzki leads the Mavericks in scoring (24.7 ppg) and rebounding (9.1 rpg), while Stackhouse is averaging 12.0 points per game.

On Monday, Nowitzki scored 26 points as the Mavericks clinched home-court advantage throughout the postseason with a 96-86 win over the Los Angeles Clippers at American Airlines Center.

Stackhouse contributed 18 points for Southwest Division champion Dallas, which has captured 12 of its last 14 games overall. Josh Howard tallied 16 points and Devin Harris netted 14 in the victory.

The Mavericks are an impressive 29-9 on the road this season. They return home to host the Utah Jazz on Friday and the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday at American Airlines Center.

Minnesota plays the third of a four-game homestand, and enters tonight’s contest on a two-game losing streak. Anthony Parker drained five three- pointers and finished with 24 points, as the Toronto Raptors downed the Timberwolves, 111-100, on Monday at the Target Center.

Ricky Davis poured in 28 points and dished out eight assists for the Timberwolves, who have lost six of their last eight games overall. Kevin Garnett had 17 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, while Craig Smith ended with 17 points in defeat.

The Timberwolves are 20-18 at home this season. They have dropped five in a row at the Target Center. Minnesota is scheduled to host Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs on Friday.

Dallas is 3-0 against the Timberwolves this season, and has won five of the last six contests in the series. The Mavericks have won three of their last four at Minnesota.