DALLAS _ Dirk Nowitzki will miss at least one game after an MRI he underwent Tuesday morning revealed he has a sprained right knee.
Dallas Mavericks officials have listed the 7-foot forward as day-to-day, and added that he will sit out tonight’s home game against Toronto.
The Mavs are hoping to at least have Nowitzki back for Thursday’s big home game against the San Antonio Spurs, who lead Dallas by 1 1/2 games in the Southwest Division. But now the Mavs are in a wait and see mode in regards to their perennial All-Star.
Nowitzki was injured Monday night in Oklahoma City when he came down awkwardly while he was fouled by Thunder forward Serge Ibaka. Replays appear to indicate that there was no contact on the play, only that Nowitzki’s right foot got twisted and made contact with his left foot.
But even with Nowitzki getting treatment in the locker room, Dallas went on to defeat the Thunder, 103-93. It was the Mavs’ eight consecutive win, their 17th victory in their last 18 games and increased their record to an impressive 24-5.
Throughout his 13-year career, Nowitzki has been known as a tough-minded durable player who has recovered quickly from injuries. Out of a possible 981 career games, he has missed only 32 contests.
That’s third on the NBA active list for players with 10 or more years of experience. Topping the list is Portland point guard Andre Miller, who has missed just six of a possible 930 games in his 12-year career, and Mavs guard Jason Terry, who has been out for just 25 of a possible 931 games during his 12-year career.
Nowitzki leads the Mavs in scoring with 24.1 points per game, and also averages 7.4 rebounds. He is shooting .545 percent from the field and .401 percent from 3-point range.
-- Dwain Price
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