After a successful two-game road trip that pushed them over .500 for the first time this season, the Dallas Mavericks return to the American Airlines Center looking to continue their move up the Western Conference standings during a quick two game home stand.

They play the 4-6 Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, but their record may be deceiving as they lost all five games that star center Andrew Bogut missed for personal reasons.

Since Bogut's return, the Bucks are 2-0, with wins over San Antonio on Tuesday and Detroit on Thursday.

Milwaukee will provide a good test for the Mavericks improving defense, as they also feature two talented shot-creators from the perimeter: speedy 6'1 point guard Brandon Jennings, averaging 18.7 points and 5.8 assists a game, and crafty 6'8 small forward Stephen Jackson, averaging 16.0 points and 3.7 assists a night.

Dallas will be without Jason Kidd, who is recovering from a lower back injury, for the fourth consecutive game, although the Mavericks are 3-0 in his absence.

The 7:30 PM game will be broadcast regionally on Fox Sports Southwest.

For the latest news and notes on the Mavericks, head over to Mavs Moneyball, while Brew Hoop has you covered for everything you need to know about the Bucks.