--F Dirk Nowitzki took the summer off from basketball for the first time in his career, coming into this season fresher than ever before. But at 31 and in his 12th year, monitoring his minutes is crucial.

Rick Carlisle would like to keep Nowitzki in the high 30s with the requisite rest. Nowitzki entered the Spurs game averaging 38 minutes.

"I don't think there's a set formula with him," Carlisle said. "The important thing is getting him the appropriate rest during the game. Sometimes we go with two short rests per half. My experience is you can do that and keep a guy fresher even if he's playing a couple minutes more per half."

--G Jason Terry was excited to be on the All-Star ballot and, even if he's not voted to the Western Conference team, promises to be at the game at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in some capacity.

"This is going to be special," Terry said. "I'll announce the team. I'll put on Champ's uniform (team mascot). Whatever I have to do, but I will be in attendance participating."

--G Josh Howard played limited minutes down the stretch in Wednesday's loss at San Antonio, citing a sore ankle. He said it was an "unexpected speed bump" on the road to recovery.

After averaging 15 points in his first two outings of the season, Howard scored just eight in 19:27 against the Spurs.

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.