Dirk Nowitzki Will Not Play against Thunder

Nowitzki has not played since injuring his knee against the Thunder on Dec. 27.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:08 pm

By: News On 6

Dirk Nowitzki Will Not Play against Thunder

Originally Published: Jan 6, 2011 1:19 PM CDT

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

DALLAS – Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle said Thursday that star Dirk Nowitzki will not play against the Oklahoma City Thunder Thursday night.

Nowitzki has missed each of the last five games with a sprained knee, which he also suffered against the Thunder on Dec. 27. The Mavericks still went on to win that game 103-93, but lost their next three in a row.

“He's getting gradually better, but he's not ready to play yet,” Carlisle said.

Shawn Marion is expected to take Nowitzki’s place in the starting lineup. The Mavericks also will be without Caron Butler, who is out for the season with a torn ligament in his knee.