<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>DALLAS -- Although no official recovery timetable has been established, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said Sunday that the club expects to be without star forward Dirk Nowitzki for at least two weeks after Nowitzki suffered a leg injury in the third quarter of Sunday's 88-81 loss to San Antonio. A shellshocked Cuban walked out of American Airlines Center with two fingers aloft to reflect the initial two-week fears. But Cuban stressed that the time frame is unofficial and can't be confirmed until Nowitzki's left ankle and knee are examined more thoroughly Monday. Nowitzki crumpled to the floor and clutched his left leg in agony after attempting to block a shot by San Antonio's Ime Udoka. Nowitzki's leg appeared to fold awkwardly after Udoka's right leg came down on Nowitzki's as they landed. Nowitzki started reaching for his ankle, then grabbed near his calf, slapping the floor in agony. He put a hand on his head, then didn't move while the team's orthopedist and athletic trainer worked on his lower leg. The arena was silent until Nowitzki sat up. Nowitzki had 11 points and seven rebounds at the time, with San Antonio leading 56-54 and 3:18 left in the period. In a statement released by the team, Nowitzki said: "I fell awkwardly and my left leg got caught underneath of me. I am going to get re-evaluated in the morning and I hope to have more information then." The Mavericks' hope is that Nowitzki merely sustained damage to his left ankle -- an injury he historically recovers from as quickly as anyone in the league -- and avoided a knee injury.</div> Source Let the panicking begin.
It's never a good time for your teams star player to get hurt...but especially not where there are only 12 games left, and he'll (possibly) miss three games against the two teams right behind them for a spot in the playoffs.
I saw the fall. It was similar to Shaun Livingston's, except not as bad. I think Cuban might be a little too optimistic right now. My guess? Out for the season.
Gasol was supposed to be out for 2 weeks. I saw his injury, and it didn't look that bad at all. Dirk's injury was far worse, and unless he's just a big pussy, I don't see how he'll return in a 2 week period. Like Jumpman said, it reminded me of Bynum's injury. I'm not saying he's going to be out as long as Bynum, because it didn't seem as bad, but 2 weeks is just way too optimistic IMO
If he's out too long, the Mavs might be kissing their playoff chances good bye with how tough the West is.
The funny thing is though, Dirk is one of the toughest players in the league when it comes to injuries and whatnot. Hopefully he's back by playoffs with Dallas at #7
Well, I'll go with most people's predictions that this will lessen the chance of them making the playoffs. Of course, that all depends on whether or not the Nuggets actually step up, maybe play some defense, and win some games.
Well, to the Nuggets credit, they have been playing pretty well these last couple weeks. They're 4-2 in their last six and that could have been 5-1 had they not choked in Philly. I'd expect them to overtake Dallas now that Dirk could very well be done for the year.
Ouch... Mavs lost their star, Kidd has no one to 'pass' to, Mavs have no bench, and Cuban is contantly pressuring your coach. At 1st i thought Dirk would be out for only the stated 2 weeks... but after i read that it was similar to Bynum's (ankle and knee) then i think he's close to done for the season.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jonah @ Mar 23 2008, 07:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The funny thing is though, Dirk is one of the toughest players in the league when it comes to injuries and whatnot. Hopefully he's back by playoffs with Dallas at #7</div> I dont mean to offend you but... Say you make the playoffs at #7 and the lakers are #2... do you really want to risk the chances of Dirk reinjuring himself against very steep odds (beating the lakers)? IF dirk does come back by that time, im sure he will not be 100% yet... so if i were the Mavs, i wouldnt rush Dirk back. *Note: Sorry for the double post
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jonah @ Mar 24 2008, 06:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>If New Orleans are #2, Dallas h as a strong chance. Theres a month until they start</div> IMO Dallas has less a chance against NO... why? coz of CP3... he's undefeated against both Nash and Kidd... Something possesses him whenever he plays against top PG's
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>DALLAS(AP) Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks is out indefinitely with a high ankle sprain and a mildly sprained knee. It's a blow to the Mavericks' title hopes - and perhaps their chances of making the playoffs. The team announced the diagnosis Monday, the day after the reigning MVP was injured during a game against San Antonio. The Mavs have lost three straight, continuing a spiral since adding Jason Kidd. They are only 9-8 with the All-Star point guard and hold a half-game lead over Golden State for the No. 7 seed.</div> Link Told ya it wouldn't be only 2 weeks.
I'm thinking he'll be done for the season and IF they make the playoffs, there's a chance he could be back in time for round 2 if they get there. There's now way he's back during the season though, not with a sprained knee and ankle.
