The Minnesota Timberwolves have hit a rough patch, dropping two-straight games to put a .500 record just out of reach for them, dropping their most recent outing 107-92 to the Houston Rockets. It was a game in which Kevin Love hit a season-high 39 points and 12 rebounds, while Ricky Rubio had 12 assists. Minnesota didn't get much help from anybody else, especially with a length injury list. They've got a tough outing upcoming with a game against the Dallas Mavericks.
Dallas is sitting at 11-7 on the season, but boast a 7-2 record at home. They were a non-factor at the beginning of the season, but winning streaks of five and three games have put them back in good position. Their most recent streak is of the three game variety, with wins over Phoenix, New Orleans and Utah in that time frame.
This will be Dallas' third-straight game without Dirk Nowitzki, who has missed some time to work on his conditioning and rest up a sore knee. Shawn Marion has stepped up in his absence, averaging 19.3 points over his last four outings. He had 29 points and four three-pointer in the win over Phoenix in the team's last outing.
It's going to be a tough game for Minnesota to get back to winning ways and once again approach .500, but it's definitely a possibility, especially without Nowitzki in the lineup. The Mavericks will receive their rings on the night, as will Minnesota's J.J. Barea, though he is going to miss the game with a strained hamstring.
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