Pregame Notes from Mavs-Nuggets

Devean George is active tonight and expected to play a few minutes. The veteran swingman missed training camp and the first 19 games recovering from a stress reaction in his left foot. Moe Ager will be on the inactive list.

Avery Johnson and Jerry Stackhouse are wearing microphones for the TNT broadcast. George Karl and Eduardo Najera are wearing mics for Denver. Johnson will also do an in-game interview between the third and fourth quarters. Johnson admitted there was resistance to the idea, but added he will adjust.

“I wouldn’t say I’m ready, but the company I work for said it’s mandatory,” he quipped.

TNT also had a camera focused on the locker room. As for watching his language, Johnson said with a smile: “I don’t say anything that needs to be censored.”

The opposition from the coaches and players isn’t shared by Mark Cuban. The Mavs owner likes any idea that brings fans closer to the game. Plus there’s an added bonus.

“For fans, it’ll give them insight and into things they’ve never heard before,” Cuban said. “And if it focuses less on Stephen A. Smith and Kenny Smith and those guys, the better.”

In other words, Cuban said, “More reality and less fantasy from commentators.”

The Mavs can only hope Allen Iverson’s right arm is tired after scoring 51 last night against the Lakers. “He’s capable of having another one,” Johnson said.