Dirk Nowitzki

Mavericks making Dirk Nowitzki (Achilles) game-time versus Knicks

Dallas Mavericks forward/center Dirk Nowitzki (right Achilles soreness) will be a game-time call against the New York Knicks on Monday.

What It Means:

Nowitzki made it through the morning shootaround and is optimistic about his chances of playing Monday night after missing the past three contests. His return will slice sharply into Dwight Powell's fantasy value, but the big man should maintain a spot in the rotation.

Nowitzki has earned a -0.4 nERD through three games this season (compared to a 4.9 average over the past two years) while scoring 12.0 points per game, his lowest since his rookie campaign. He's adding 6.7 rebounds, 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks and 1.3 3-pointers on a career-low 35.9 shooting percentage from the field.