CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — The Charlotte Hornets, riding a surge toward playoff positioning, will host the struggling Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night at Spectrum Center. The Hornets (30-31) have won seven of their last 10 games and are coming off a 109-93 victory over Portland on Saturday. Forward Brandon Miller has been the catalyst, averaging 24.8 points and 5.7 rebounds over his last nine contests. He scored 33 points in just 26 minutes in a rout of Indiana last week and posted 26 points and eight rebounds against the Trail Blazers. Conversely, the Mavericks (21-38) have lost eight of their last nine, including a 124-105 home defeat to Memphis on Friday. In that game, forward Dwight Powell provided a rare bright spot with a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds in 23 minutes. Powell’s role has fluctuated, but his recent performance may earn him increased minutes as Dallas searches for consistency. Charlotte won the previous meeting this season, 123-121 in Dallas on Jan. 29. The Mavericks will aim to avenge that narrow loss and snap a three-game skid. The game is the first of a quick two-game homestand for the Hornets, who visit Boston on Wednesday. Dallas continues a four-game road trip that next stops in Orlando on Thursday. For the Mavericks to have a chance, they must find a way to contain Miller and improve a defense that has allowed an average of 124.2 points over its last five games. Charlotte’s offense, averaging over 120 points during its recent successful stretch, will test that porous defense. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern.