Dirk Nowitzki Injury: Updates on Mavericks Star's Achilles and Return

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki hadn't played since suffering an Achilles injury against the Portland Trail Blazers on Nov. 4. However, he is ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Nowitzki to Play vs. Clippers

Wednesday, Nov. 23

Head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters Nowitzki would return to the lineup against Los Angeles.

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Nowitzki Comments on Recovery

Thursday, Nov. 10

Nowitzki said he has resumed on-court activities, per ESPN.com's Marc Stein.

"It's definitely better, but I really haven't done much yet," Nowitzki said, per Stein. "Today was good, but we didn't go anything close to full speed. Just started moving on the court a bit."

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Nowitzki Still Plays Vital Role in Mavericks Offense

At 38 years old, Nowitzki continues to play a vital role for the Mavs, averaging 15.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

Last season, though Nowitzki's numbers weren't like those in his prime, they bounced back slightly after a down year in 2014-15. He put up 18.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in 75 regular-season contests. His production carried over into the playoffs, as he recorded 20.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.

Nowitzki entered 2016-17 having appeared in at least 75 regular-season games in three consecutive campaigns, but his risk of injury goes up with each passing year.

The Mavericks have relied heavily on the German big man to be their go-to guy offensively and will be glad to see him back in the lineup.

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