Bodog Beat

Rick Carlisle will face his former team for the first time tonight when he and the Dallas Mavericks look to win their fifth straight game against the Indiana Pacers. (AP Images)

Carlisle's start with the Mavericks has been slow, but they are starting to pick things up, winning four straight (all ATS), including their first home victory of 2008-09 in a 91-76 victory over Memphis on Friday. Dirk Nowitzki is averaging 24.7 points and 8.3 rebounds this season, and 30.0 points and 10.5 rebounds during the winning streak.

Josh Howard, who is averaging 20.3 points and 8.2 rebounds, remains day-to-day with a sprained ankle.

Dallas and Indiana split last season's two meetings with each winning at home. The Mavs have won eight of their last nine home games against the Pacers, including the last four. The home team is 13-2-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings between these teams. Get your NBA basketball odds in the Bodog Sportsbook.