Southwest Notes: Nowitzki, Jackson

Dirk Nowitzki says that despite his team's poor place in the standings, their goal is still the playoffs, according to ESPN.com's Tim MacMahon. If Nowitzki's thoughts are shared by Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, this could indicate that the team is a buyer, instead of a seller, before the trade deadline. 

• According to a tweet from NBA.com's Earl K. Sneed, Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle says that any evaluation of Nowitzki's play should be held off until the middle of January. Nowitzki made his season debut last week after undergoing knee surgery earlier this year. 
• The Spurs love the "edge" guard Stephen Jackson gives them, according to Star-Telegram.com's Dwain Price.