The two time defending champion LA Lakers, with 2nd best record in the West (31-12), will visit the Mavericks tonight at 9pm EST.

The Lakers are on fire, winning 8 of the 9 previous games. (Their one loss was to the LA Clippers).

In the meantime, the Mavericks are struggling to stop their 6 game losing streak. They are trying to rebuild the winning momentum they had before Dirk Nowitzki's knee injury. Nowitzki averaged 24.1 points per game before the injury. Since Nowitzki returned, he has averaged 16.5 points per game in two back-to-back losses. If Dallas loses today, it will be their worst losing streak in 12 years.

The Mavericks are 14-8 at home this season.