Mavs-Rockets Preview: No Dampier Tonight

Mike Fisher -- DB.com

The Mavs are approaching tonight’s preseason finale at Houston as a “dress rehearsal.’’ But now comes news that yet another prospective starter might not dress.

  Center Erick Dampier will miss the game for personal reasons (hat-tip to Mark Followill). So while Shawn Marion is set to return tonight from his calf injury, the absence of Damp along with the probable inactivity of Josh Howard (who is targeting Tuesday’s regular-season opener for his return from ankle rehab) means that will still won’t be seeing the “real’’ Mavs in Houston.

So it is Marion’s participation that gives the Mavs something to hang their hats on here.

  “We just need to get the little kinks out and get everything going so we can be ready for Tuesday,” Marion said in preparation for Dallas’ Oct. 27 opener at home against the Wiz.

   Marion is expected to start tonight at the 3, with Dirk Nowitzki at the 4 and, we suppose, Drew Gooden at center. Jason Kidd will start at the point, and coach Rick Carlisle has a variety of options alongside him. Rookie Roddy Beaubois, defensive ace Quinton Ross and JJ Barea could all be in the mix at the 2.

   Meanwhile, Houston has its own injury-and-newcomer concerns. Center Yao Ming might miss the season with a foot injury. Rockets fans are anxious to see if the oft-injured Tracy McGrady can recapture his level of brilliance. And newcomer Trevor Ariza is in many ways expected to replace Ron Artest , and to do so while helping Houston play a more up-tempo style.
   “They’re going to play a little faster without (Yao),’’ Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. “It‘s never going to be a picnic playing those guys.”
   The two division rivals tipoff at 7:30 p.m. at the Toyota Center. The telecast is on TX21.