TV: League Pass
- After snapping one lengthy losing streak last night, the Bobcats will try to break another tonight. Charlotte’s 90-89 victory against Indiana was its first win since March 17, having ended last season with 23 consecutive losses. The Bobcats have never defeated the Mavericks, however, dropping all 15 meetings since entering the league in 2004. “That one I’m not really paying a whole lot of attention to,” first-year head coach Mike Dunlap said. “As far as that stuff goes, the more you focus on that, in that kind of way, it’s distracting to the team.”
- Center Chris Kaman is expected to make his Dallas debut after missing the first two games with a strained right calf. Asked what he expects from the 7-footer, head coach Rick Carlisle said, “Size and rebounding.” “He’s been out so long. He had one practice yesterday and looked OK, but I don’t think it’s fair to say, ‘Hey, go out there and score double figures,’” Carlisle said. “What we need is his size and activity and the other stuff will come.”
- Another player who could make his debut for the Mavericks is forward Troy Murphy, who was signed Friday after the team cut ties with center Eddy Curry. Carlisle said he wants Murphy to “play his game.” “He’s a great movement guy. He’s a stretch shooter and a rebounder and he knows how to play,” said Carlisle, who coached Murphy in Indiana in 2006-07. “He’s an experienced guy. He’s had a lot of experience playing in similar systems to what we’re doing.”
- Mavericks backup point guard Rodrigue Beaubois is inactive after re-injuring his left ankle in Friday’s practice. Beaubois originally sprained it during an exhibition game in Germany and missed three preseason games. Through the first two games, he is averaging 9.5 points, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 16.0 minutes off the bench.
– Dave Ivey
