Erick

Dampier

Dampier has played with this type of injury in the past and thinks he’ll be able to go on Friday. It’s probably smart to bench him until we hear more news on the injury.

Dampier says he’s had the injury before and returned in 3-5 days. He’ll see how it feels Friday.

Coach Don Nelson said Dampier banged his knee, but “we thought he could play on it.” The good news is that Dallas doesn’t play again until Wednesday against the Rockets, which should give his knee four days to heal.

He’s going to miss about two weeks with the injury, giving Alan Henderson a chance for a little value during that time. We wouldn’t run out and pick Henderson up, but watch he and Shawn Bradley over the next couple days.

Dampier played 12 minutes Tuesday and his status for tonight’s game will be determined today.

Dampier went down with a sprained left ankle in Wednesday’s win over Toronto. “Right now it’s premature, but they think he’s done for the year,” coach Eric Musselman said. Hopefully you have a good backup center, and won’t have to go after Adonal Foyle.

That’s the remainder of the season for those scoring at home. Dampier ends his breakout season fourth in rebounding, third in double-doubles, and 14th in blocks, with averages of 12.3 points and 12.0 rebounds.

Dampier probably could have played last night. He didn’t even know he would be sitting until Don Nelson told him after the morning shootaround.

Dampier played only 12 minutes Tuesday, and noticeably favored the knee. He could miss Thursday’s game against the Clippers. Go another direction until he’s back to playing more than half a game.

Dampier was set to make $16.8 million over the final two years of his deal. He’ll probably earn at least $10 million per season as part of a new contract. The Jazz, Nuggets, Heat and Mavs (as part of a sign-and-trade) are among the teams thought to be interested.