Preview: Mavericks at Trail Blazers PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — Two struggling Western Conference teams seeking momentum will meet Monday when the Dallas Mavericks visit the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. The Mavericks (12-21) arrive after a 107-113 road loss to the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, their fourth defeat in five games. Rookie forward Cooper Flagg continued his standout season with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists in the loss. Flagg is averaging 24.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists over his last 10 games, including a 42-point, seven-rebound, six-assist performance in a loss to Utah on Dec. 15. Portland (12-19) is also looking to halt a slide, having lost three straight, most recently a 103-119 home defeat to the LA Clippers on Friday. Forward Deni Avdija has been a bright spot, nearly posting a triple-double with 29 points, nine rebounds and nine assists in that contest. Over his last 10 games, Avdija is averaging 25.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists. The teams last met on Nov. 16 in Dallas, where the Mavericks earned a 138-133 victory. Both clubs have struggled defensively this season, setting the stage for a potentially high-scoring affair. Dallas has shown offensive firepower but has allowed an average of 121.3 points over its last 10 games. Portland has conceded 119.2 points per game over the same stretch. The matchup between the versatile Flagg and the playmaking Avdija will be central to the outcome. The game is the only scheduled meeting between the teams in Portland this season. Following this contest, Dallas begins a four-game homestand on New Year’s Day against Philadelphia. Portland embarks on a three-game road trip starting Wednesday in Oklahoma City. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. PST Monday at Moda Center.