Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki: Practices Tuesday, nearing return

Nowitzki (Achilles) practiced Tuesday, with coach Rick Carlisle saying afterward that the big man is "very close" to returning, Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis:

The Mavs have been decimated by early-season injuries, as Nowitzki, Devin Harris (toe), Deron Williams (calf), Andrew Bogut (calf) and J.J. Barea (calf) all currently reside on the injury report. The good news is Nowitzki appears close to ending his eight-game streak of absences, and his return to the court could come as early as Wednesday's matchup with the Clippers. Whenever Nowitzki does return, it's expected that he'll reclaim the starting power forward spot, likely pushing Dorian Finney-Smith to the bench.