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Nowitzki questionable when Mavs host Clippers

Dec 22, 2006 - 3:29 PM LA Clippers (10-14) at Dallas (19-7) 8:30 pm EST

DALLAS (Ticker) -- Dirk Nowitzki could be absent when the Dallas Mavericks host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.

Nowitzki suffered a left ankle injury when Seattle's Chris Wilcox stepped on his foot, causing his ankle to roll over in the first quarter of Wednesday's game. X-rays were negative.

Erick Dampier stepped up, registering season highs of 22 points and 16 rebounds and Jason Terry added 17 points as the Mavericks posted their fifth straight win, a 103-95 victory over the Sonics.

Josh Howard had 15 points and Devin Harris added 13 for the Mavs, who survived 17 turnovers.

The Clippers endured their fifth straight loss, 98-96, to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. Los Angeles left the court in disappointment after T.J. Ford nailed a jumper from the foul line as time expired.

Elton Brand had 24 points and 10 rebounds and Corey Maggette added 20 points for the Clippers, who held a 44-36 advantage on the boards.

Los Angeles beat Dallas, 103-85, on November 8, thanks in part to 28 points from Cuttino Mobley.