Memphis (44-32) at Dallas (52-24)
Preview - Box Score - Recap
Game Info: 8:30 pm EDT Mon Apr 11, 2005
TV: GRSN, FxSW Add to Calendar
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The Memphis Grizzlies hope to clinch their second straight playoff berth as they begin a crucial four-game road trip against the Dallas Mavericks.

With six games left in the regular season, the Grizzlies are 4 1/2 ahead of Minnesota for the eighth and last playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies, who visit Dallas on Monday, have won five of six games to tighten their grip on the eighth spot.

Memphis coach Mike Fratello isn't ready to relax yet, even though his Grizzlies are just one victory from securing a playoff berth.

``I've never in sports assumed that anything is over until mathematically it's over,'' Fratello said Sunday.

Memphis made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history last season and were swept out of the first round in four games by the San Antonio Spurs.

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The Grizzlies, who have lost three straight to Dallas, hit the road for the next four games against likely playoff teams -- Dallas, Houston, Denver and San Antonio.

Shane Battier had 25 points and 11 rebounds, and Mike Miller added 21 points to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 102-95 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Sunday.

Pau Gasol had 16 points for Memphis, and Lorenzen Wright added 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Dallas is already assured of a spot in the playoffs.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 24 points, and also contributed a key defensive play and an assist in the final minute to help the Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz 88-81 Saturday and wrap up the fourth seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

``We got what we wanted,'' said Nowitzki, who added nine rebounds, five assists and five blocks. ``Now we have to focus ourselves so we can get our game where we want.''

The Mavericks' game looks pretty strong already. They won their seventh straight at home and improved to 10-2 since coach Avery Johnson took over for Don Nelson on March 19.

If the Mavs are to get their eighth consecutive victory at the American Airlines Center, they'll have to do it without top reserve Jerry Stackhouse. The swingman was suspended one game Monday for a postgame scuffle with Utah's Kirk Snyder on Saturday. Stackhouse is third on the team with 14.9 points per game.