wolves gameday

7:30 P.M. at DALLAS• FSN, 830-AM

Preview: Timberwolves starting center Nikola Pekovic didn't practice Tuesday and coach Rick Adelman said he doesn't expect Pekovic (sore ankle) to play on this quick two-game Texas trip to Dallas and Houston even though he will travel with the team. Without him, expect rookie center Gorgui Dieng to start Wednesday against Dallas' Samuel Dalembert and Thursday against Houston center Dwight Howard. … The 41-27 Mavericks have won three consecutive games. ... Dallas is seventh in the West, a game ahead of Memphis in pursuit of those final two playoff spots.

Players to watch: Dirk Nowitzki, who is averaging 21.4 points per game, is 12th on the NBA's all-time scoring list with 26,462 points after passing former Boston Celtics great John Havlicek last week. Next in his sights: Former Atlanta star Dominique Wilkins, who is 206 points away.

Injuries: Pekovic (sore ankle/foot) is not expected to play and C Ronny Turiaf (knee bone bruise) is out. The Mavericks report no injuries.

JERRY ZGODA