Dampier to be back tonight

The Mavericks will welcome Erick Dampier back to action tonight against Philadelphia, a source said this afternoon. Dampier has been out for two weeks since a still-undisclosed illness hospitalized before the game at Detroit. The source said he's been cleared to play. While it's unknown if he'll be in the starting lineup, it wouldn't be surprising to see him out there from the get-go. The 6-11 center was averaging almost 10 rebounds per game before going out with the illness. It's good news for the Mavericks that he's back -- and even better news for Dampier. --Eddie Sefko