The plan with Harris out

MEMPHIS – Devin Harris’ career season hit its first snag – a left ankle bone bruise that is expected to keep him sidelined for the next two to three weeks. The diagnosis, however, is about as good as could have been hoped for after teammates carried the Mavericks starting point guard off the court Sunday night.

“It could have been worse,” Mavs coach Avery Johnson said before facing the Grizzlies. “We’re glad that it’s not season-ending. Everybody goes through it. It could have been worse, but hopefully it will be a maximum of three weeks and we’ll be able to get him back.”

The MRI exam performed Monday in Dallas revealed the extent of the injury, since X-rays taken after the Denver game were inconclusive. Harris took a hard fall into the row of photographers along in the baseline the fourth quarter of the win over the Nuggets.

Harris’ loss shortens a rotation already stretched without injured swingman Jerry Stackhouse. Jason Terry moves off the bench and into the starting lineup. More will be expected of third-stringer JJ Barea, who has performed admirably in spot minutes lately. Josh Howard and Eddie Jones can also run the offense in a pinch.

“We’ve got guys that can do it,” Howard said. “A lot depends on JJ. I can do it. Eddie can do it. It’s cool.”

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