ROTATION: Starters -- Point guard Jason Kidd, Shooting guard Josh Howard, Small forward Shawn Marion, Power forward Dirk Nowitzki, Center Erick Dampier. Bench -- Guard Jason Terry, Guard J.J. Barea, Forward/center Drew Gooden, Forward James Singleton, Guard Matt Carroll, Guard Quinton Ross, Forward Kris Humphries, Guard Roddy Beaubois. PLAYER NOTES: --G Josh Howard made his season debut Saturday night with 16 points in a rout over Toronto. Howard missed the first five games recovering from offseason surgeries to his left ankle and left wrist. He started and played 24:22.
--F Dirk Nowitzki started a new streak with 29 points against the Raptors. The team's leading scorer had a run of 29 consecutive games of at least 20 points snapped Wednesday night at New Orleans.
--G J.J. Barea had a career-high 12 assists against Toronto, which was a nice comeback from the two missed free throws at the end of regulation Wednesday at New Orleans. His previous career best was nine assists, set three times.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--F Tim Thomas (knee surgery) is rehabbing from surgery. He's begun going through at least part of practice, but no timetable has been set for his return.
--F Drew Gooden (rib cage strain) was out again Saturday against Toronto. He's missed the last four games.
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