Dirk Nowitzki typically scorches the Clippers. He averaged 32 points in three games last season, but missed the Mavericks' win at Staples Center because of a league suspension. ... The Mavericks went 3-1 against the Clippers last season and have won 14 of the last 18 games against them. ... Nowitzki took a streak of 26 consecutive games with at least 20 points scoring into Friday's meeting with the Lakers. It's the longest active streak in the league. ... The Mavericks would do well to go at the Clippers by driving to the rim. They committed 51 fouls in the first two games and opponents shot 10.5 more free throws per game.

They lost their first two games before visiting Utah on Friday. In both defeats they had difficulty in the fourth quarter, surrendering a lead against Phoenix and letting a chance to win slip away against the Lakers. ... They can shoot the ball, knocking down 50 percent of their shots through two games. A better option is to put them on the line, where they are shooting just 60.5 percent. ... Centers Chris Kaman and Marcus Camby each have started the season fast, combining for 38.5 points and 42 rebounds in the first two games. ... They will be without No. 1 overall draft pick Blake Griffin, who is recovering from a fractured kneecap and is out another month, at least.

Eddie Sefko