Tough game for the Hornets tonight as they’re back on the road and taking on the 17-7 Dallas Mavericks. Game tipping at 7:30 Central.

The Hornets and Mavs met six weeks ago in New Orleans, with the Hornets prevailing in overtime thanks to some bricked free throws by Dallas and a clutch three from Peja. Methinks the Mavs won’t have forgotten that one.

Dallas has won three straight, most recently beating the Bobcats in overtime on Saturday thanks to 36 points from Dirk Nowitzki. Josh Howard sat that game out to rest his surgically repaired left ankle, but should be good to go tonight.

The Hornets had won three straight before imploding against the Knicks on Friday night. Jeff Bower has been limiting Chris Paul’s practice time since then, trying to keep him healthy and rested.

Linkage:

• Ryan’s game preview
• Journals: Evaluating and Improving the Hornets
• Rival bloggers: Mavs Moneyball | The Two Man Game