Nowitzki, Griffin game-time decisions

Dallas – Mavericks leading scorer and rebounder Dirk Nowitzki might be able to return from a sprained right ankle for tonight’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Nowitzki and forward Adrian Griffin (separated shoulder) were both improving and their availability will be game-time decisions, the team said Friday.

Nowitzki and Griffin missed Wednesday’s 111-104 loss at San Antonio. Both players were hurt in Dallas’ victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday.

Nowitzki is averaging 21.6 points and 10.7 rebounds.

Pacers hire Buckner as team consultant

Indianapolis – Quinn Buckner was hired Friday as a consultant to Indiana Pacers president Donnie Walsh.

Buckner, a former NBA player and coach of the Dallas Mavericks, will continue as a television analyst for Pacers games, which he has done the past six seasons.

“I think Quinn Buckner is a tremendous resource for the franchise and has a great network of knowledge, not only in the NBA, but on all levels of basketball throughout the world,” Walsh said. “I think he’ll be very valuable to the franchise.”

Buckner played on Indiana’s unbeaten NCAA championship team in 1976 and was a first-round draft pick by Milwaukee. He also played with Boston and the Pacers and coached the Mavericks in 1993-94.

Clippers add Olowokandi, shelve injured Parks

Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Clippers activated center Michael Olowokandi on Friday and placed forward Cherokee Parks on injured reserve because of back spasms.

Olowokandi missed five games because of a sore left knee. He already had missed all preseason games because of tendinitis in his left knee.