Knicks, Mavericks going in opposite directions for meeting

The New York Knicks will try to pull out of a slump when they begin a tour through Texas on Tuesday, visiting a Dallas Mavericks team on a three-game winning streak.

Both New York and Dallas appeared in Christmas Day showcase games, with the Knicks' current losing skid extending to three games ina 119-112 decision against Philadelphia and the Mavericks picking up their third straight win, 124-115 over the Los Angeles Lak