Ankle injury again sidelines NBA Spurs' Parker

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs is seen shoots against Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder, on November 14, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. Parker missed San Antonio's NBA game against Dallas on Wednesday after aggravating the left ankle he first sprained on November 6. AFP/NBAE

DALLAS, Texas – Tony Parker was on the sidelines for San Antonio's overtime NBA loss to Dallas after aggravating his sprained left ankle.

The Spurs also lost guard Manu Ginobili in the first quarter of the contest with a strained left groin.

Parker injured his ankle in a game at Portland and was sidelined for two games.

The French star was back in the lineup Saturday in a 101-98 loss to Oklahoma City, playing 32 minutes and scoring 17 points.

"He hasn't been able to practice since then," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.

Ginobili started and scored two points in the first quarter, but went to the dressing room before the second period began and the Spurs said he wouldn't return.

The Mavericks were also short-handed, with Josh Howard, Shawn Marion and Erick Dampier out of the starting lineup.

In their absence, Mavs star Dirk Nowitzki stepped up, scoring 11 of his season-high 41 points in overtime to help the Mavericks hold on for a 99-94 victory.

Nowitzki's three-point play with 2:28 left in overtime gave Dallas the lead for good.

Jason Terry then hit a jump shot and Nowitzki made a 3-pointer to stretch the lead as the Mavericks stretched their winning streak to four games.

(Agencies)