Mavs’ playoff roster might exclude Manning

Dallas  Don Nelson doesn’t have to reveal the 12 players who will comprise his playoff roster until April 19, the day before the NBA playoffs begin.

But since the Mavericks coach has assembled 15 quality players to choose from, constant private talk of the three players who probably won’t make the playoff roster has filtered through the team.

Since Nelson said on Saturday that guard Tariq Abdul-Wahad’s sore left knee will sideline him for another six months, that takes care of one player. As for the other two, barring an injury, Danny Manning, Evan Eschmeyer and/or Shawn Bradley appear to be the likely candidates who won’t make the playoff roster.

When Manning signed a two-year free-agent contract on Aug. 2, he was expected to provide some veteran leadership, especially during the playoffs. But he has missed 28 games this season and has been on the injured list since March 5 with a lower-back strain.

Spurs place Porter on IL

Los Angeles  San Antonio reserve guard Terry Porter was placed on the injured list Monday with a strained right calf.

Knicks’ Houston out

New York  Allan Houston missed the New York Knicks’ game against the Denver Nuggets with a sprained left ankle Monday night.

Anderson sidelined

Boston  Boston Celtics starting point guard Kenny Anderson will miss at least five games after spraining his left ankle on Sunday.