PHOENIX - Dirk Nowitzki will make his season debut tonight in nationally televised fashion.
The Mavericks' 40-year-old icon will be on the active list against the Phoenix Suns. He is coming off a lengthy recovery from left ankle surgery in April that included numerous setbacks and was slowed drastically over the last two months to ensure Nowitzki would not risk aggravating the tendons in his foot and ankle.
The Mavericks will be making one of only three scheduled appearances this season on TNT.
Nowitzki, the seventh-leading scorer in NBA history will become the first player ever to appear for the same franchise in 21 seasons.