Mavericks' Nelson, Felton out Friday

The Dallas Mavericks will once again be short on guards for Friday's game against the Eastern Conference-leading Toronto Raptors.

Jameer Nelson is out for the second consecutive game with back spasms, while Raymond Felton is down again due to an ankle injury, according to ESPN Dallas radio. Neither player is expected to be out long term.

Felton's sprained ankle and a four-game suspension has kept him out of the Mavericks' lineup all season.

Devin Harris should get another start at point guard with Nelson sidelined. Harris received his first start of the season in Wednesday's win over the New York Knicks while logging a season-high 40 minutes.

The 11-year veteran responded by scoring nine points and dishing out a season-high eight assists in the victory.

Dallas will be in tough against the Raptors, who are 9-1 at home this season and riding a six-game winning streak.