Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki: Expected to return Wednesday

Coach Rick Carlisle said he expects Nowitzki (Achilles) to play Wednesday against the Clippers, Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Analysis:

Carlisle stopped short of ruling Nowitzki in for Wednesday's contest, but he told reporters that there's a "good chance" the veteran makes his return after missing the last eight games with a sore right Achilles. A final call may not come until Nowitzki can be evaluated during pregame warmups, so check back for an update later in the evening. If Nowitzki is ultimately cleared, he'd likely replace Dorian Finney-Smith in the starting lineup, though he could face a minutes restriction.