Forward Dirk Nowitzki, center Shawn Bradley and guard Greg Buckner all missed Monday's practice with various ailments. Nowitzki visited an ear, nose and throat specialist Monday to determine if his repeated colds and viruses are cause for concern.

Meanwhile, Bradley has a sprained left ankle, and Buckner has a sore left knee. Buckner already has missed six games this season because of a sprained right ankle.

Mavericks coach Don Nelson said he wasn't sure if Bradley or Buckner will play tonight, adding that Buckner might have to sit for a few games. As far as Nowitzki is concerned, Nelson has watched him play nearly the entire season with a mild sprained ankle, a cold, a virus or a sinus infection, but has often pulled him recently because of fatigue.