Fighting for their playoff lives, the Mavericks lead the Sacramento Kings 57-50 at halftime.

The Kings jumped out to a quick 8-2 lead and led 27-25 after the first quarter. But the Mavs quickly took the lead early in the second quarter and held it. The seven-point lead at halftime is the largest lead of the game for the Mavs.

After missing the last four games with a groin injury, Jason Kidd got the start and has five points, five rebounds and three assists in 14 minutes. Brendan Haywood and Yi Jianlian lead the Mavs with eight points each. Haywood also has five rebounds. Dirk Nowitzki has just four points in 12 minutes while shooting 1-for-6 from the floor. Jason Terry has been solid with seven points, three rebounds, three assists and a +13.

The Mavs haven't been able to stop Sacramento's DeMarcus Cousins inside. Cousins already has a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

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