Shootaround: Dirk Nowitzki and Rick Carlisle are sick, did not participate

Both Rick Carlisle and Dirk Nowitzki are sick and missed shootaround this morning. Their availability for tonights game vs Bucks uncertain

— Mike Peasley (@PeasESPN) December 14, 2013

That's news nobody wants to hear. We all know that Dirk is herculean and will do his best to play anyway -- Game 4 of the NBA Finals ring a bell? -- but even if he is able to suit up, there's no telling how effective he will be.

Don't count Rick Carlisle's potential loss out as insignificant, either. He hasn't missed a game in quite a while.

If Carlisle does miss tonight's game, it'll be the first time since Dec. 27, 2010, when he did not travel to OKC after having knee surgery.

— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) December 14, 2013

Let's wish them both the best. The real irony is that several reports indicate Brandan Wright will make his debut tonight -- it's too bad the team won't be at full strength in his first game.

UPDATE:

Ugh. Dirk and Carlisle are now OUT for tonight's game:

Per @MavsPR, no Dirk Nowitzki or Rick Carlisle tonight vs. the Bucks due to illnesses.

— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) December 14, 2013