Pregame notes from Mavs-Spurs

The Spurs are notorious about keeping info about the team under wraps as much as possible. Take the situation with Tim Duncan, who’s out tonight. The list of probable starters released by the team had “To be announced” in the small forward slot.

When asked how he planned to attack the Spurs minus Duncan less than 90 minutes before the game, Mavs coach Avery Johnson quipped: “I haven’t gotten an official starting lineup yet. Until we confirm he’s out, so be it.” Manu Ginobili, by the way, will play.

Asked about the Mavs’ 105-92 victory over San Antonio on Nov. 15 in Dallas, Johnson said: “That was a game we pretty much put it together from start to finish. We haven’t had that many games like that this year.”

Devean George said he could return to the lineup tomorrow night against Denver or Saturday against Utah. He would like to get a practice under his belt Friday, but isn’t opposed to suiting up in 24 hours.

Last but not least, be on ejection alert tonight. Bennett Salvatore is in the building.