The Grizzlies veteran forward just laughed because he knows the score.

Miles ' appearance Sunday afternoon was his first in a Grizzly uniform, and nine more with any NBA team would mean Miles' $9 million salary will be reinstated to the Portland Trail Blazers' payroll.

"It just feels good on be on the bench with a team," Miles said, chuckling at the notion that most observers are counting his games. "I thought I might get more playing time. But it is what it is. I'm hoping it works out here. I really like Memphis."

Miles checked in to the game with 1:46 left in the fourth quarter when the Griz were on cruise control against the Dallas Mavericks . He was eligible to play after serving a 10-game suspension for violating the NBA's drug policy.

The 6-9 Miles signed a non-guaranteed contract Dec. 12 and will likely play Tuesday when the Griz host the Minnesota Timberwolves .

From there, Miles' future is uncertain.

Memphis must decide Wednesday before playing at New Jersey whether to retain Miles for the rest of the season, according to general manager Chris Wallace.

If Miles is waived, he still could re-sign with the Griz or another NBA squad for a pair of 10-day contracts.

Wallace hasn't ruled out any options regarding Miles.

Back spasms sideline Ross

Veteran swingman Quinton Ross sat out with back spasms. Ross' back was aggravated Friday night during the Grizzlies' loss to the San Antonio Spurs . His status is day to day.

Ross' absence meant hardly used swingman Marko Jaric logged a season-high 14 minutes.

Jaric finished with three points, three rebounds and two assists in what was more than a cursory appearance at the end of a lopsided game.

"It's the first time in seven or eight months," Jaric said. "It felt good. It always feels good to play even a little part of a game when the team wins. I don't know if I helped a lot, but we won and that's all that matters."

Tip-ins

The Griz beat the Mavs in FedExForum for the first time after losing 10 straight, including the postseason. The Grizzlies' last home win against the Mavs had been Feb. 17, 2004, in The Pyramid. ... Steve Francis was available but not present on the bench. He was on the inactive list. ... Mavs guard Jason Terry made two 3-pointers and has connected from behind the arc in 22 straight games. ... Memphis scored a season-best 35 points in the first quarter. The Griz were one point shy of tying their season high for most points in any quarter. ... Griz forward Hakim Warrick with 18 points and has scored in double digits in seven straight games.