--F Dirk Nowitzki has never been voted starter to the All-Star Game, but he has the inside track with the release of the first voting returns. Nowitzki is second among Western Conference forwards with 366,300 votes, trailing only Carmelo Anthony.

Nowitzki is an eight-time All-Star, with each selection being made by West coaches. He did start in 2007 as an injury replacement. The 2010 game is being played at the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium.

"It would be an honor to be voted as a starter by the fans, but either way I hope to play in my home city," Nowitzki said.

--C Erick Dampier had his second consecutive double-double Saturday with 14 points and 17 rebounds against Charlotte. He had 20 and 17 the night before in Miami.

Dampier now has six double-doubles in just 16 games this season. He had just six all of last season.

--G Quinton Ross returned to the active roster Saturday after missing nine games with back tightness. He played 12:26 and grabbed three rebounds.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--F Josh Howard was put on the inactive list Saturday as a precautionary measure. Howard recently came back from a sore ankle, and Rick Carlisle decided not to play him on the second night of a back-to-back.

"We feel it's the right thing to do," Carlisle said, "managing the situation."