A few quick links before the noon tipoff...

Caplan has an article on Mavs needing to score more points in the paint with quotes from a lot Mavs agreeing with that assessment.  But the most important quote is the last one.

"We want to have a driving mentality when the situation presents itself," Carlisle said. "Now if guys have open looks on the perimeter or open looks from 3 and there's not a guy closing out, you've got to step into those and knock them down."

And that's the problem.  When Dallas had wide open threes they take them, they just miss them.  And the more they miss the more often they are left open to take them...

Caplan also has a bunch of quick notes like Jason Terry having ice bags all over his body and Ryan Hollins picking things up quickly in his first practice.

Carlisle likes what he's seen from Wright in his recent starts.

"He gives us strong defense. He can play on the ball or off. Offensively, he can make passes and make plays, and his shooting is getting better every day. He's got to continue with his progress.

"This is what we hoped he could do."

And no official word on Josh Howard yet, but Mike Fisher says he's not on the court for pregame warmups -- Elton Brand is for Philly.