Game Thread: Mavericks (26-11) at Spurs (33-6)

Who: The San Antonio Spurs host the Dallas Mavericks

What: A rivalry match missing some major personnel...

Where: AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX

When: 7:00pm CT

How: ESPN | FSSW-DAL | KENS | WOAI | KESN

The Story: Egads! Another game without Dirk Nowitzki! And now Tyson Chandler isn't feeling well... it sucks facing our bitter rivals on a national stage while missing such key players. But I suppose the consolation is that it's only January, and while a nice record is nice, it means nothing in the post-season. So let's suck this one up and cheer for our depleted team. There are some links to peruse, and you should wear protection if you feel like Pounding The Rock.

Undermanned Mavericks visit rival San Antonio tonight
Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle refuses to use the absence of Dirk Nowitzki as an excuse for his team's struggles. As they continue falling further behind the San Antonio Spurs in the Southwest Division, though, the Mavericks may need to learn how to win without their star soon.

Dirk out tonight, and other injury news
Dirk Nowitzki walked past reporters today after shootaround and had the briefest of comments. "I'm out.'' So for the ninth consecutive game, he'll be in street clothes tonight against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center.

MAVERICKS: Inside Report: Mavericks-Spurs preview — Third Texas tussle
The first time around, the Dallas Mavericks proved that they could go into the AT&T Center and defeat the San Antonio Spurs on their home floor. Just a month later, the Mavericks also showed that they could compete with the Spurs for 48 minutes even without the services of leading scorer Dirk Nowitzki.

Shootaround Report: Mavericks (26-11) at Spurs (33-6) - Mavs Fast Break
Although Dirk Nowitzki will miss his ninth straight game due to a sprained right knee, Friday morning the nine-time All-Star showed signs that his return could be just around the corner.

Ian Mahinmi eager to face old mates again
The last time the Dallas Mavericks played in San Antonio they were down a center because Brendan Haywoodwas suspended. Tonight, the Mavs could be without under-the-weather Tyson Chandler. Either way, Ian Mahinmisaid he's looking forward to seeing some minutes against his former team.