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Nowitzki not expected to play in Minnesota

Apr 11, 2007 - 4:37 PM Dallas (64-13) at Minnesota (32-45), 8:00 pm EDT

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) - The Dallas Mavericks have clinched the top seed in the Western Conference and likely will rest some of their regulars Wednesday when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Dallas clinched the top spot and home-court advantage with a 96-86 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. Dirk Nowitzki scored 26 points and Jerry Stackhouse added 18.

Following the win, Dallas coach Avery Johnson indicated he would reward some of his players for their accomplishment.

"Stackhouse and Dirk will not be on this next trip," he said. "I told them if I see them on the plane, I'll fine them."

The Mavericks already have set the franchise record for wins in a season, cruising past the previous mark of 60. Dallas has won eight of 10 and has an NBA-best 29-9 road record but appears to have little to play for heading down the stretch.

Minnesota, which will miss the playoffs for the third consecutive season, is coming off Monday's 111-100 loss to the Toronto Raptors, its second straight setback.

The Timberwolves have averaged just 81.7 points in three losses to the Mavericks this season. They have dropped four in a row in the series.