Preview: The Mavericks are 2-3 in their past five games, 4-5 in their past nine but they had won 18 of 19 games before that. They haven't played since beating Golden State 101-73 at home on Sunday. ... The Mavs have won the previous two meetings this season -- 101-86 at Dallas in December and 108-105 at Target Center earlier this month -- and have won 17 of the past 18 meetings between the teams. The Wolves' only victory in that stretch: a 117-108 victory at Dallas in February 2010.

Players to watch: Mavs forward Dirk Nowitzki has scored 20 points or more in each of his past 15 games and 45 times total this season. His 10 points against the Wolves in the December game in Dallas ties a season low. He has made 58 consecutive free throws, the NBA's longest streak this season. ... Former Wolves forward Corey Brewer is averaging 8.9 minutes and 3.0 points in seven games since he was traded to New York, waived by the Knicks and signed by the Mavs. ... Former Wolves forward Brian Cardinal made four threes and scored a season-high 12 points in 17 minutes at Target Center on March 7. It was an offensive outburst that had Wolves TV commentator Jim Petersen begging on air for the Mavericks to put Nowitzki back into the game.

Injuries: Wolves F Kevin Love (groin) did not accompany the team on the two-game trip that also takes it to Oklahoma City on Friday. F Michael Beasley participated in most of Wednesday's practice and is listed as questionable because of a bruised hip sustained Friday in Los Angeles against the Lakers. The Mavs' Caron Butler (ruptured knee tendon) and Dominique Jones (foot stress fracture) are out.

JERRY ZGODA