Carlisle a long shot for coaching West stars

Because he coached the Eastern Conference all-stars in 2004, Mavericks' coach Rick Carlisle probably won't be coaching the West this time around.

Consulted with the NBA and found that the tie-breakers for determining the All-Star coach in the event two teams finish with the same record after games of Jan. 31 is thus:

1. Coach who most recently has not coached in the All-Star Game.

2. Coach of team with head-to-head game advantage.

3. Coach of team with best Conference record.

4. Coin-flip.

You don't have to go any lower than the first tie-breaker. Carlisle coached the East in 2004. Denver's George Karl hasn't coached in the All-Star Game since 1998.

With the Nuggets owning a one-game lead in the standings and both teams having three games to play before Feb. 1, it means the Mavericks would have to pick up two games on the Nuggets.

It's possible, but the odds are against it.