(Sports Network) - The struggling Sacramento Kings will open a four-game homestand Saturday versus the Dallas Mavericks at ARCO Arena. Sacramento is mired in a five-game losing streak and is coming off Friday's 120-94 setback to the Utah Jazz on the road. John Salmons scored 20 points to lead the Kings, who have lost eight of nine games overall. Spencer Hawes contributed 18 points and six rebounds off the bench in defeat.

The Kings will also host Utah, Denver and the Los Angeles Lakers on the current homestand, and have dropped five straight as the host.

Dallas will try to get back on track after having its five-game winning streak come to an end with Friday's 114-107 loss to the Lakers at Staples Center.

Jason Terry came off the bench to score 29 points and Dirk Nowitzki posted 19 and 12 rebounds for the Mavericks, who blew a 12-point lead in the third quarter. Jason Kidd finished with 12 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds in a losing cause.

The Mavs have been playing without Josh Howard, who is still nursing an ankle injury. Howard has missed four straight games and is doubtful for Saturday.

Dallas went 2-1 against Sacramento last season and has scored more than 100 points in seven of the past eight meetings. The Mavericks have also won seven of the last eight matchups in this series.

Sacramento has lost nine of the past 14 encounters with Dallas at ARCO Arena.



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