Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki: Questionable for Thursday with illness

Nowitzki is dealing with an illness and is listed as questionable to play Thursday against the Lakers, Earl K. Sneed of Mavs.com reports.

Analysis:

Nowitzki, who recently returned to the lineup following a lengthy absence due to an Achilles strain, wasn't present for the Mavs' shootaround after falling ill. The Mavericks will likely monitor Nowitzki's condition throughout the afternoon before determining if he'll be ready to play prior to the game's 10:30 p.m. ET tip off. In the event the Mavs decide to hold Nowitzki out for the front end of the back-to-back set, Dorian Finney-Smith would likely reenter the starting lineup in his stead.