DENVER (AP) - Dallas big man Elton Brand is being held out of the Mavericks' game at Denver on Thursday night because of a sore right calf that's been bothering him for a week.

Coach Rick Carlisle said Brand is day to day.

Carlisle said the injury flared up in the team's loss to Indiana on March 28 and affected Brand in subsequent games against the Bulls and Lakers, "so we're going to sit him and try to get him right."

The 13th-year pro is averaging 7.4 points and 6.1 rebounds for Dallas, which is in a heated race with the Jazz and Lakers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The Nuggets, trying to secure a home-court start to the playoffs, are seeking their 19th straight home win.

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