The Philadelphia 76ers will host the Dallas Mavericks at the Wells Fargo Center on Friday night, seeking to avoid a third straight loss at home and a second consecutive defeat overall.
The Sixers return home after spending a week away, winning two out of three on their mini-road trip and maintaining their sizable lead in the Atlantic Division.
The news hasn't been all good for Philadelphia this week, however, as it was announced that starting center Spencer Hawes will remain out until after the All-Star break while he battles an Achilles' ailment. Hawes leads the Sixers with 8.5 rebounds per game.
Dallas enters the contest winners of five straight and 11 of 15 games overall. The recent surge has the Mavericks just two games back of San Antonio in the Southwest Division, and fourth in the Western Conference standings.
The game will be televised nationally on ESPN, and tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. EST.
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