Full-Court Press

Dirk good to go

An afternoon of rest did wonders for Dirk Nowitzki, who's set to go tonight against the Hornets. He looked considerably better than this morning, shooting jumpers before the game and sprinting off the court into the locker room to stretch. Though he'll start, Avery Johnson will surely monitor Dirk's body language and if his franchise player doesn't look right, expect Dirk to take an early seat. The guess here, though, is Dirk puts in a full night's work.

-- Art

AJ and his Saints

Avery Johnson obviously has a lot on his plate, but he can't help but think about his hometown every now and then. Tonight is possibly the last time the Mavs play in Oklahoma City because the Hornets are returning to New Orleans next season. (The Mavs could be back here in the playoffs if the Hornets get in.)

Johnson is excited about the return of basketball to the Big Easy, although his enthusiasm pales in comparison to football's comeback last season. The Saints are Johnson's team, so much so he spoke to the squad during last year's training camp at the request of New Orleans coach Sean Payton, the one-time Cowboys assistant. The Saints celebrated their return home by making the playoffs and Johnson is expecting big things in '07.

"We're excited because they've got a nice setup in the draft," he said today. "Really nice. I heard they have quite a few picks in the first four rounds."

Johnson will get a firsthand look at those new draftees when he visits camp again later this summer in Jackson, Miss. Though he won't be in the war room during the draft, the General wouldn't mind lending a hand.

"I've already put in my request on what type of player they should draft," he joked. "I'm so in with the team now, I can put in my draft request."

-- Art

Chris Paul, y'all

As the Mavs wrap up their six-game road trip tonight, fans will get a chance to see Grade-A defender Devin Harris lock horns with Hornets point guard Chris Paul , one the truly gifted young players in the NBA.

It'll be interesting to see how Paul performs because he's suffering from a stress reaction in his left foot that will require surgery (inserting a pin in the foot) when the season is over. The Hornets say they are being careful with Paul and limiting his activity outside of games. But is their pursuit of the last playoff spot in the West worth risking Paul's long-term future?

The Hornets say the injury can't get any worse, but I seem to remember the Pistons saying the same thing when Grant Hill hobbled around with a stress fracture in his ankle during the 2000 playoffs. After joining the Magic -- and seemingly too many surgeries to mention -- Hill played only 47 games the next three seasons, the prime of his career ruined.

Now, we're not saying the same thing will happen to Paul, but it is worth bringing up. If you ran the Hornets, would you keep playing Paul just for the possible honor of being bounced in the first round of the playoffs?

-- Joe Garza, Mavs Lite

Paul averages 17.8 points, 8.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds.

Dirk iffy for tonight

Dirk Nowitzki may not play tonight against the Hornets in Oklahoma City. Dealing with flu-like symptoms and a sinus infection, he wasn't his usual self at today's morning shootaround at the Ford Center. He was the first to leave the court -- that never happens -- to get back the team bus, coughing along the way.

Asked how he's feeling, he said: "It's not good." An afternoon of rest may do the MVP contender well, but even coach Avery Johnson said: "Right now he's not looking good for tonight."

-- Art

Slick court, sick Dirk

Back in the Western Conference ... the Mavs reconvened after a looong night out in ATL for a short practice in the OKC. And it was short. Monday afternoon's workout at the Ford Center was cut short because the court was too slick. It seems the ice under the floor (they play hockey here I guess), coupled with the muggy temps outside, caused the hardwood to sweat.

Not one to take any chances, Avery kept it simple. No sense in having anyone turn an ankle because he can't make a cut. Still, cutting practice short wasn't as painful as one might think for the General. "We couldn't get in our normal practice, but that may end up being beneficial," Johnson said. "You see this four-hour practice I have written out." He pointed to his sheet and was joking about the four hours. I think.

Dirk Nowitzki didn't make an appearance at the mini practice and it wasn't because Avery locked him out of the gym. (Avery didn't allow Dirk one of his infamous evening workouts in Boston.) Flu-like systems had Dirk back in bed at the hotel. From all accounts, his Sunday night was rather tame. Funny that he's the one hurting the next day. Life isn't always fair.

-- Art

Mavs-Hawks, V

Josh Howard finally misses a shot with 3:11 left in the second quarter. It was a layup -- maybe his easiest attempt so far -- so now he's 6-of-7 from the floor with 18 points.

-- Joe Garza, Mavs Lite

Mavs-Hawks, IV

At the start of the second quarter, Devean George is in the game, wearing a sleeve on his right knee.

The Mavs' ball movement is characteristically crisp and they are sharing the ball beautifully. It's 43-26 with 9:26 left in the second simply because the Mavs are executing and playing their game against a poor team.

George is rusty on the offensive end. It will take a little time for him to regain his in-game shooting touch.

-- Joe Garza, Mavs Lite

Mavs-Hawks, III

After one quarter, it's 39-19 Mavs. Josh Howard has 16 points on 5-for-5 shooting (2-of-2 from 3-point range) and is 4-of-4 from the line.

-- Joe Garza, Mavs Lite

Mavs-Hawks, II

With 4:45 left in the first quarter, Josh Howard has 13 points and the Mavs are shooting 9-for-9.

Dirk Nowitzki finally misses for the Mavs at the 3:47 mark.

-- Joe Garza, Mavs Lite

Mavs-Hawks, I

Any concerns about the Atlanta nightlife and the "early" noon start have been put to rest as the Mavs come out shooting 7-of-7 from the floor to jump out to a 17-6 lead. Devin Harris provided the early energy, and the Hawks 'D' seems to be as bad as advertised.

-- Joe Garza, Mavs Lite