Sun Mar 30 10:51:24 2008

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Mavs, Warriors battle for playoff positioning

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(Sports Network) - The reeling Dallas Mavericks will resume a three-game road trip this evening against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena.

The Mavericks have lost four of their last five games, including Thursday's 118-105 loss to the Denver Nuggets in the opener of the trek at the Pepsi Center. Josh Howard scored 30 points, while Jason Kidd finished with 19 points and 15 assists for the Mavericks, who are seventh in the West standings, just a half game ahead of Denver and a game in front of Golden State.

Dallas again played without MVP Dirk Nowitzki, who is sidelined indefinitely with ankle and knee sprains. The Mavericks will also visit the Los Angeles Clippers on the current swing, and are 15-20 away from American Airlines Center this season.

Meanwhile, the Warriors lost control of the eighth and final playoff spot in the West after last night's 119-112 setback to the Nuggets on the road.

Baron Davis had 28 points and seven assists for the Warriors, who are a half game behind Denver in the Western Conference standings, and have alternated wins and losses over the past 10 games. Stephen Jackson added 25 points and Andris Biedrins ended with 17 points and 17 rebounds in defeat.

Golden State has won six of eight and 10 of its last 13 home games. It is 24-12 at ORACLE Arena this season. On the injury front for the Warriors, forward Al Harrington (thumb) is questionable against the Mavs.

Dallas is 2-0 against the Warriors this season and has won 26 of the last 34 meetings.

The Mavericks have dropped three of four trips to Oakland.