After missing the majority of the season with an Achilles injury and a recent “setback” in progress, Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki will return for Dallas’ Friday night game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The team announced the news on its website.
Dirk Nowitzki will return from Achilles injury Friday against the Clippers
Nowitzki has appeared in only five games this season.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nowitzki went through an hour-long workout on Thursday and was cleared to play, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said.
“This is the beginning,” Carlisle said, noting Nowitzki is pain-free. “It’s gonna be a long road back to full minutes, full conditioning, and full rhythm. But now is the time to start.”
The 8-21 Mavericks missed Nowitzki, who has played in just five games this season. In his 19th season in the NBA, the forward is averaging 12.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Nowitzki hopes his Achilles struggles are a thing of the past.
“We’re gonna ease it in a little slower than we did a couple weeks ago,” Nowitzki said. “Hopefully it’ll respond the right way, and I’m not missing any more action.”
The floundering Mavs have lost every game Nowitzki has appeared in this year.
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