(My Sportsbook) - The Dallas Mavericks will try to give new head coach Rick Carlisle his first win tonight, when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center.

Dallas opened the new season with Thursday's 112-102 loss to the rival Houston Rockets at American Airlines Center, as Dirk Nowitzki had 36 points and seven rebounds and Josh Howard chipped in 28 points and 11 boards. The two combined for only three points in the fourth quarter.

Top bench player Jason Terry scored 15 points for Dallas, which also received seven points, seven rebounds and 12 assists from All-Star Jason Kidd. Carlisle took over in the offseason after Avery Johnson was fired despite the Mavs reaching the playoffs eight straight years. They have lost in the first round in each of the last two seasons.

Mavericks forward Devean George (hand) will miss Saturday's game.

The Timberwolves, meanwhile, recorded a 98-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday in their season opener.

Al Jefferson paced six scorers in double figures with 21 points and also grabbed 10 rebounds for Minnesota, which is 1-0 on a season-opening two-game homestand. Rashad McCants had 15 points, rookie Kevin Love, Ryan Gomes and Randy Foye each had 12 and Mike Miller ended with 11 points.

Minnesota guard Sebastian Telfair (suspension) is expected to return next Wednesday against San Antonio.

Dallas won all three matchups with Minnesota a season ago and has won eight straight, nine of 10 and 11 of the last 13 meetings in the series. It has also won four straight and six of its last seven at the Timberwolves.