Dirk Nowitzki (rest) will return to the starting lineup Monday against the 76ers.

Nowitzki (rest) will return to the starting lineup Monday against the 76ers, Earl K. Sneed of Mavs.com reports.

Analysis:

Nowitzki was one of three Mavericks starters who were rested for Saturday's win over the Rockets, which marked the second game of a back-to-back set. The 37-year-old could be subjected to some days off for maintenance purposes over the course of the season and is also expected to see his minutes count tail off after routinely averaging over 30 per game over the last decade-plus. Those built-in breaks will hurt Nowitzki's counting stats production, but should only continue to prop up his efficiency. The big man has been exceptional when he's taken the court this season, as he's shooting 52.6 percent from the field, 50 percent from the three-point line, and 87.5 percent from the free-throw line.