Harris and Ford out, Jones back

Starting point guards Devin Harris and TJ Ford are out tonight. Suffering from a stomach virus, Harris stayed back at the hotel. He’ll meet the team at the airport after the game for the flight back to Dallas.

Ford could also be in the building later. He took a scary fall last night in Atlanta, hitting his head on the court before being wheeled off in a stretcher. Ford stayed in Atlanta overnight for observation. A battery of neurological tests came back negative, according to team officials, which is good news.

Eddie Jones will be activated for the first time since Nov. 13. The shooting guard is taking a cautious approach as to his return. “If shots come my way, they come,” he said. His focus, however, is defense and rebounding.

JJ Barea will take on a bigger role without Harris. The third-string point guard had been slowed by a sprained joint in his right shoulder, which limited movement. He said that other than being a little sore, he’s fine.