NBA Picks: Dallas at Phoenix

Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks take on the Phoenix Suns today. (AP Images)"]

In danger of losing five straight for the first time in over four years, the Phoenix Suns look to take advantage of a Dallas Mavericks team that will likely be without Josh Howard tonight.

This matchup is important for Phoenix, which is coming off an 0-4 road trip and trails eighth-place Dallas by four games for the final playoff spot.

Dallas, meanwhile, is trying to improve its playoff position as it opens a four-game road trip. The Mavs will have a tough time moving up in the conference if Howard has to miss an extended period of time.

That means more pressure will be placed on Dirk Nowitzki, who is averaging 29.7 in his last six games. The forward is averaging 30.6 points in his last 10 contests against the Suns, including a 39-point effort in Dallas' 112-97 win Dec. 4.

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