Dirk still up in the air for tonight

Published Dec. 22, 2009 at 4:50 p.m.

The Mavericks aren't sure about Dirk Nowitzki's status for tonight. If it were me, I'd sit him out one more game just to be safe with his injured right elbow.

But that's easy for me to say. I don't have to try to beat Portland without him tonight.

Nowitzki went through shootaround and was in an excellent mood afterward, although he didn't comment on his condition.

"He's doing better, but it's going to be a game-time decision,'' coach Rick Carlisle said. "We'll see where he is. If there's no infection, it'll probably be his call. But he's doing better and the signs have been positive, so we'll see.''

The Mavericks have three days off coming up after tonight's game against Portland. If he's clear of any infection, it wouldn't surprise anybody if he toughed out the pain and played. But again, he's the one who has to be willing to take a hit on that elbow.

--Eddie Sefko

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