Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki (ankle) expects to play Friday vs. Lakers
Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki expects to play Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers after injuring his left ankle Wednesday against the Washington Wizards, The Dallas Morning News' Brad Townsend reports.
Nowitzki sprained his ankle late in the fourth quarter and left the game, but he returned and hit a crucial three-pointer in Dallas' 105-102 win over Washington. He finished the game with 13 points, four rebounds and two rebounds.
“It’s just the first couple of minutes that hurt,” Nowitzki said of his left ankle, adding that he expects to be fine for Friday’s home game against the Lakers. “I walked it off, got it re-taped. Trainer asked me if I wanted to call it a day, but obviously a close game, so if I can walk, I want to be out there.”
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On the season, the 36-year-old Nowitzki is averaging 19.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 53.1 percent from the field and playing just 27.5 minutes per game.
Dallas has the best scoring differential in the league at plus-10.4 points per game.
The Mavericks are 9-3 and host the Lakers on Friday at 8:30 p.m.
