Nowitzki’s Probably Out

Dirk Nowitzki is not expected to play in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals tonight, Dallas Maverick Coach Don Nelson said Wednesday.

“I’d say very doubtful is the way we have to approach it, but let’s still wait and see,” Nelson said. “If he can’t play his normal rotation, I don’t think he should play.”

Nowitzki said he planned to rest his sprained left knee until a pregame shoot-around. The San Antonio Spurs lead the series, 3-2, and can advance to the NBA Finals with another win.

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Portland turned down the Philadelphia 76ers’ request to speak to Trail Blazer Coach Maurice Cheeks about possibly replacing Larry Brown, who resigned this week.

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USA Basketball is expected to announce today the addition of Clipper forward Elton Brand, New Jersey Net guard Richardson Jefferson and Kansas standout Nick Collison to the roster of the U.S. team that will play in an Olympic qualifying tournament Aug. 20-31 at Puerto Rico.