Coach Rick Carlisle talks Dennis Smith Jr. at practice

At Mavericks practice today Dennis Smith Jr. was nowhere to be found, he is instead home with what the team is still calling a stomach bug. Carlisle confirmed ESPN’s Tim MacMahon’s report that Smith Jr. would not join the team on their upcoming road trip. For the first time this week Rick Carlisle gave a fairly genuine statement regarding the situation with Dennis. Here is his full statement.

Wesley Matthews is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game with a right wrist sprain but was at practice. After practice he was not taking shots, likely because of that sprain.

J.J. Barea joined the team for practice on crutches after his Achilles surgery Monday. When addressing the media Barea was his usual smiley self and said how much the support from his family and fans meant to him.

Though he said he hasn’t been in contact with Dennis, J.J. said he hopes the team and Smith Jr. can find a resolution. Barea also said his teammates have been spending time coming over to his house and taking him out to lunch after his surgery.

Daryl Macon was at practice with the Mavericks today and has been since Smith Jr. came down with his back and stomach illnesses. Carlisle told the media that Kostas Antetokounmpo will join the team on the road trip to Indiana and Milwaukee. Maybe Kostas will even get a few minutes on the court against his older brother and rising NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.