The Dallas Mavericks are optimistic that Tyson Chandler's ankle sprain is not serious, although the injury will keep the veteran center out of Wednesday's game against the Utah Jazz.

Tyson Chandler will not play in Wednesday's game against the Jazz. AP Photo/LM Otero

The Mavericks also announced that guard Monta Ellis is doubtful for Wednesday's contest because of a hip injury. Ellis underwent an MRI on Tuesday morning, and the team is waiting on the results.

Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle updated the status of the injured players Tuesday, one day after both Chandler and Ellis exited early from Dallas' loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Chandler sprained his left ankle when he landed awkwardly after being fouled by Spencer Hawes 39 seconds into the game. He left about a minute later.

"We're hopeful it isn't serious," Carlisle said. "It's going to keep him out for sure [Wednesday], but with the rest period of the break, we think there's a good chance he can be a lot better when we get back. We'll see. The only timetable we're giving you is he's out tomorrow.

Ellis limped off the floor with 8:03 remaining in the first quarter due to a left hip injury that Carlisle said he assumed was "some kind of strain." Carlisle added, "When we have more information to give you, we'll give it to you. Right now, he's listed as doubtful and we're waiting on the MRI."

Mavs star Dirk Nowitzki addressed the injuries to Chandler and Ellis after Monday's 115-98 loss.

"Hopefully it's not going to be bad," Nowitzki said. "It's nothing we can really control now. We don't really expect either to play on Wednesday and we've got to be better. We've got to be better with what we've got."

Wednesday's game against the Jazz will be Dallas' final contest before the All-Star break. The Mavs will also be missing point guard Rajon Rondo, who will sit out his sixth consecutive game due to nasal and left orbital bone fractures.

The Mavericks, seeking depth in their frontcourt following Chandler's injury, are nearing a 10-day deal with veteran big man Bernard James, sources told ESPN's Marc Stein.

The Mavs hope to sign James, who just finished his season in China and who played the last two seasons in Dallas and attended training camp with the team, in time to play against the Jazz.

"It's just going to depend on some paperwork things, but we'll see," Carlisle said. "We're hoping to, but it's not guaranteed. Look, anybody over 6-5 right now is a sight for sore eyes. If we can get it done with 'Sarge,' he can step in and give us some minutes."