Mavericks-Heat Preview

Despite several factors falling in their favor in a victory over the NBA's best team, the Dallas Mavericks - point guard J.J. Barea in particular - have to be feeling good about their recent play. Coming off a romp against defending champion Golden State, the Mavericks will try to extend their winning streak to five when they visit the Miami Heat on Friday night. Starting with a victory over Memphis on Dec. 18, Dallas (19-13) has won five of six to climb into second place in the Southwest Division - though that still leaves the club eight games behind 28-6 San Antonio.