Preview: Wolves coach Rick Adelman kept the same starting lineup in white jerseys at Saturday's practice. When asked when the unit he has been finishing games with -- one that includes rookies Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams -- will begin starting, Adelman said: "I don't know. We talked about that a lot today as a coaching staff." He said he continues to search for the right combinations and for his "go-to" players. He said F Michael Beasley -- who was in foul trouble most of Friday's 103-101 home loss to Miami and didn't play in the fourth quarter -- needs to be in games at the end because he can create his own shot.
Players to watch: Mavs superstar Dirk Nowitzki will play his 998th NBA game Sunday. Only two active NBA players -- Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and Spurs forward Tim Duncan -- have been with their teams longer. ...Opponents already are throwing everything at Wolves rookie Ricky Rubio in an attempt to slow him on pick-and-roll plays. The Heat on Friday double- and triple-teamed him and asked big LeBron James to defend him late in the game. He still has his first career double-double (12 points, 12 assists, six rebounds, too).
Numbers: The Mavs swept the season series 3-0 last year.
Injuries: Wolves G J.J. Barea practiced Saturday and said he is hopeful he'll play after missing Friday's game because of a strained hamstring sustained Tuesday at Milwaukee. C Nikola Pekovic's strained groin continues to improve, but Adelman said he doubted Pekovic would play. G Malcolm Lee (knee surgery), G Martell Webster (microdiscectomy) and C Brad Miller (microfracture knee surgery) are out as well. The Mavs report no injuries.
JERRY ZGODA
