The Dallas Mavericks are 0-2 in games following pregame ceremonies honoring their 2011 NBA Championship and they are happy that no more are scheduled this season.
"I think we're all happy that we don't have anymore ceremonies for our championship," guard Jason Kidd told the Mavericks' official website. "We can just concentrate on basketball."
Dallas will be without Dirk Nowitzki who is still out with a sore knee and conditioning issues. However, there is a possibility that Vince Carter could make his return to the lineup on Friday. Carter has missed the last five games with a sprained foot.
Utah has its own injury concerns after Al Jefferson missed Wednesday's loss with an ankle injury. Jefferson missed practice on Thursday and will be a game-time decision against Dallas on Friday. If Jefferson can't go, then Derrick Favors will likely get the start.
Game date/time: Friday, January 27, 7:30 pm CT
Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
TV: Fox Sports Southwest
Radio: Mavericks Radio Network
Online Streaming: NBA League Pass Broadband
For more on this game Dallas fans should check out Mavs Moneyball and Utah fans should head on over to SLC Dunk. For more news and analysis on the NBA be sure to check out SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.