Shhhhh. Here's Mavs' Starting Lineup Vs. Wizards

From The Matrix: Expect Ross And Damp In The First Five

Mike Fisher -- DB.com

    Mavs coach Rick Carlisle has a sort of “don’t-ask/don’t-tell’’ policy regarding announcing his starting lineup. It’s pretty much a “16-minutes-before-tipoff’’ deal. So Monday, at the team’s final full practice before Tuesday’s season-opener at home against the Wizards, Carlisle didn’t broach the subject.

    But in a one-on-one visit with Shawn Marion, I did broach the subject. ... and got some insight not only into who might start the opener but which Mav might guard which Wizard:

   “It’s tough for them without Antawn Jamison (shoulder), but they have so many other weapons,’’ Marion told me. “Caron (Butler) is a great weapon. I’ll guard him.’’

   OK, there’s one spot. At a forward, The Matrix will get tested by Butler (a career-high of 20.8 per game in 2008-09, when he also averaged 6.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists.)

   How about Gilbert Arenas, apparently fully healthy for the first time in forever and maybe ready to flirt with 30 ppg again?

   “Oh, that’s J-Kidd’s man,’’ Marion said.

   Dirk Nowitzki will of course start for Dallas, and if Jamison was available, those two might duel. Instead, Washington will have to patchwork its way here, though keep in mind the Wiz have added firepower in guys like Mike Miller and Randy Foye.

   Then come the question marks. With no Josh Howard (ankle) available – and it might be a two-week wait before he is – Marion suggested that Dallas would rely on Quentin Ross as the starter.

   “And who is their 2, if Gilbert starts at the point?’’ Marion asked me, before remembering, “Yeah, DeShawn Stevenson. He’s kind of their stopper, too.’’

   Indeed, while Ross might start and guard Stevenson, Stevenson will probably spend his defensive night on more important assignments.

   Finally, at center: “Oh, we’ll go with the big guy,’’ Marion said. “We’ve got Damp and they’ve got, who (Brendan) Haywood? That’s two big ol’ monsters.’’

   So, if Marion is correct, Dallas’ starting lineup will be Kidd (guarding Arenas), Ross, Dirk, Damp and Marion (on Butler).

   Want that written in stone? You’ll have to wait until Tuesday, until 16 minutes before tipoff, when Rick Carlisle says it is so.