The Mavs will be as shorthanded as they've been through his young season tonight against the Rockets. Devin Harris (thigh bruise) and Brandon Bass (sprained left ankle) are out.
Harris is obviously a big loss in this Southwest Division game. J.J. Barea will make his second consecutive start coming off his 25-point performance Saturday against the Kings.
Bass, a 6-foot-8, 240-pound power forward is also a significant blow against the Rockets' front line. He hurt his ankle after blocking a shot against the Kings. He returned to the game later, but as he said in so many words, when the coach calls, you don't tell him you're hurt.
"I went back in because coach called my name," Bass said. "I wasn't going to sit out. If he came in here right now and asked me to play, I would."
Mavs trainer Casey Smith was the intermediary, letting Johnson know that Bass can't go.
Both players hope to be back on Thursday when the Mavs make their first appearance at Golden State since the playoff loss.
-- Jeff Caplan
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