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Scouting Report: Wolves at Mavericks

Key Matchup One reason why the Mavericks have had some inconsistency this season is because they’ve been without their star for much of the year. Dirk Nowitzki will play in just his 12th game of the season on Monday night after missing much of the first two months recovering from knee surgery. Nowitzki didn’t make an immediate splash when he returned in December, but since the beginning of January he’s starting to show signs of his old self on the offensive end. In seven January games he’s averaging 17.0 points per game, connecting on 48 percent of his 3-point shots and is chipping in 5.7 boards and 2.7 assists. No question, the Mavericks fortunes still run through the 11-time All-Star and 2011 NBA Finals MVP. Tonight he and the Mavericks organization will face J.J. Barea for the first time in Texas since Barea left for Minnesota before the 2011-12 season. Barea missed last year’s lone matchup with the Mavs in Dallas due to injury. He was a key contributor off the bench during the Mavericks’ 2011 championship run, and he’s continued to bring that energy and fearlessness off the bench in Minnesota. Barea led the Wolves with 15 points and six assists off the bench in San Antonio on Sunday, and he’s been able to provide the late-game offensive spark Minnesota needs to close a game out on the road tonight. A win would go a long way for Minnesota right now, and if they’re able to do so in Dallas, Barea will likely have a hand in it late. Injury report The Wolves got Barea back on Sunday night after missing two games with back spasms. The Mavericks have no injuries to report heading into tonight’s game.