Coach Rick Carlisle said that Nowitzki (knee) is expected to play Thursday against the Thunder, Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Coach Rick Carlisle said that Nowitzki (knee) is expected to play Thursday against the Thunder, Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis:

Nowitzki contracted a bone bruise in Game 2 that has hobbled him since Monday. Due to Dirk's advanced age, it was questionable that he would return in time for Thursday's game. With Dirk most likely playing, it can be expected that Charlie Villanueva and Dwight Powell will play fewer minutes than if Nowitzki had missed the game.