Mavericks GameDay: Dallas opens challenging week against red-hot Cleveland

Cavaliers at Mavericks

7:30 p.m. Tuesday, American Airlines Center, Dallas

TV: FSSW Radio: ESPN/103.3 FM, ESPN/1540 AM (Sp.)

Records: Cavaliers 26-9; Mavericks 22-16

About the Cavaliers: Cleveland, the defending Eastern Conference champion, is paying its only visit to Dallas. ... The Cavs have won seven straight games, but only two came against winning teams (Orlando and Toronto).. .... The Cavs are 3-0 during a six-game road trip, which resumes at the start of the Texas Triangle. Cleveland plays in San Antonio on Thursday and at Houston on Friday. ... For the Cavs, it all starts with LeBron James, who averages 25.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 50.1 percent from the field.

About the Mavericks: The NBA schedule-maker hasn’t been kind to Dallas this season. ... After hosting the Cavs, the Mavs start a three-game road trip Wednesday in Oklahoma City. They also play at Chicago on Friday and at San Antonio on Sunday. ... The Mavs are 11-6 at home and only 7-8 against the East. ... Only three teams (Cavs, Lakers and Pelicans) have played fewer home games than the Mavs.

This story was originally published January 11, 2016 at 9:36 PM with the headline "Mavericks GameDay: Dallas opens challenging week against red-hot Cleveland."