Dirk Nowitzki is on the proverbial lip of the cup for making a debut in his 21st season with the Mavericks.
With coach Rick Carlisle and Nowitzki both saying recently that he is close to playing after multiple setbacks from ankle surgery in April, it seems to be only a matter of time until he gets on the court, perhaps as early as Saturday against Houston at American Airlines Center.
Carlisle was asked after Wednesday's game in New Orleans if there was a target date for Nowitzki's return and he said there was not.
Nowitzki was not on the trip to New Orleans, staying in Dallas to rehab, and if things go well at Friday's practice, he could be cleared to play, probably in limited minutes.