Dirk Nowitzki: (Rest) Will Not Play Versus Sixers

Nowitzki (rest) will not play against the 76ers on Saturday, Earl Sneed of Mavs.com reports.

Analysis:

The Mavs will take advantage of a soft spot in the schedule on the second night of a back-to-back, after Nowitzki played 32 minutes in Friday's win over the Raptors. Last time Dallas faced Philadelphia, back on Nov. 13, the Mavericks led 38-10 at the end of the first quarter and 73-29 at halftime. Expect some combination of Greg Smith, Brandan Wright, and Al-Farouq Aminu to absorb Nowitzki's minutes in what should be a blowout.