Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki practices for first time this season

Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki had a full contact practice for the first time this season. (David Sherman/NBA/Getty Images)

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki had a full-contact practice for the first time all season on Wednesday in hopes of making a return to the lineup soon, the team announced.

Nowitzki has not played this season due to swelling in his right knee, which was drained twice in October.  There is no timetable for his return although Nowitzki said earlier this season that he would not commit to a possible mid-December return.  Earlier, this week when asked if his knee was improving and when he would return to the lineup, he said, "I'm not close." The Mavericks are 12-13 this season and 5-5 in their last 10 games.

Nowitzki, a 15-year veteran and 11-time All-Star, averaged 21.6 points a game last year. That was his lowest scoring average in  12 seasons.