If NBA teams wan't to avoid having all their players' contracts guaranteed for the rest of the season, they have to cut them by Thursday.  Johnny Newman, the only Mav for whom this applies, shouldn't have any trouble making the deadline, according to Dwain Price of the Star-Telegram.  Because of the injury to Michael Finley, Johnny Newman suddenly became more important to the team.  His contract for $493,533 for the season will be guaranteed by week's end.

Also, center Evan Eschmeyer's injury has improved much lately, but he's still over a week away.  The Mavs have been looking for some big man help with 10 day contracts but haven't settled on anything yet.