DALLAS (Interstat) — The Philadelphia 76ers will look to regain their footing and complete a regular-season sweep when they visit the struggling Dallas Mavericks on Thursday at American Airlines Center. Philadelphia (16-14) arrives having dropped three straight, including a 129-104 defeat at Oklahoma City on Sunday. The 76ers had won three in a row prior to this skid. Dallas (12-22) has lost four of its last five, most recently falling 125-122 at Portland on Monday. The matchup features a marquee backcourt duel between Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey and Dallas’ Max Christie. Maxey is averaging 26.1 points and 5.3 assists, coming off a 28-point effort against the Thunder. He torched the Mavericks for 38 points in a 121-114 home win on Dec. 20. Christie is emerging for Dallas, scoring a season-high 25 points in the loss to Portland. In the teams’ first meeting, Philadelphia used a balanced attack to overcome Dallas. Alongside Maxey’s big night, Paul George added 24 points and Adem Bona contributed 14 points and 9 rebounds. Daniel Gafford led Dallas with 24 points and 11 rebounds in that contest. The 76ers have shown a Jekyll-and-Hyde tendency, following a three-game win streak with their current three-game slide. Consistency on the road, where they are 7-9, remains a focus. The Mavericks, meanwhile, are seeking any positive momentum, having managed just two wins in their last ten outings. Defense has been a persistent issue; Dallas has allowed 120 or more points in six of its last seven games. A key for Philadelphia will be regaining its defensive intensity after allowing an average of 117.3 points during the losing streak. For Dallas, protecting home court (8-10 at American Airlines Center) and finding a way to contain Maxey will be paramount. Following this contest, Philadelphia begins a tough stretch with a visit to New York on Saturday. Dallas continues a homestand against Houston on Saturday.