Dirk Nowitzki will not play Thursday due to rest

The Dallas Mavericks will rest power forward Dirk Nowitzki on Thursday against the Sacramento Kings, reports Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas.

The 36-year-old forward in his 16th season is averaging 18.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and two assists per game this season. The Mavericks have been careful with his minutes, as he is playing the fewest minutes per game (29.7) since his rookie season.

Without Nowitzki, the Kings will likely turn to one of Charlie Villanueva or Dwight Powell.