Hornets  90    Mavericks  94

New Orleans Hornets (10-12) at Dallas Mavericks (17-7), 8:30 p.m.

Sports Network | December 14, 2009

(Sports Network) - The Southwest Division-leading Dallas Mavericks take aim at their fourth straight victory tonight, when they welcome the New Orleans Hornets to American Airlines Center.

The Mavericks needed overtime to defeat the Charlotte Bobcats, 98-97, on Saturday at home thanks to Dirk Nowitzki's 36 points and pivotal basket with 1.8 seconds to go in the extra frame.

"We got some stops down the stretch to hold them to just 15 points in the fourth quarter...that allowed us to get back into the game," Nowitzki said. "We got some lucky bounces down the stretch."

Shawn Marion added 15 points and a season-high 15 rebounds for the Mavericks, who improved to 11-0 all-time against Charlotte. Erick Dampier had 14 points and 18 boards, while Jason Terry contributed 11 points in the win.

Dallas is 8-3 in Big D this season and may be without forward Josh Howard tonight because of an ankle injury. Howard is listed as probable.

The Hornets hope to get back on track tonight after having their three-game winning streak cut short with Friday's 113-96 loss versus the New York Knicks in the Big Easy.

David West netted 20 points and Chris Paul contributed 13 points and 13 assists for the Hornets, who made only 6-of-27 from beyond the arc.

"It was obvious we couldn't buy a shot," Paul said. "Our defense was unbelievable. We've got to change that. We've had a few games where our defense was good. Tonight it was horrible."

New Orleans is just 2-9 as the visitor this season, but defeated the Mavericks at home by a 114-107 score in overtime back on November 4. The Hornets have won two straight in the series against Dallas, which owns a 24-6 mark in the previous 30 encounters.

The Hornets have dropped 14 of their last 15 trips to Dallas.