Mavericks resting Nowitzki on Wednesday vs. Bucks

Dirk Nowitzki will sit out the second game of the Dallas Mavericks' back-to-back Wednesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Nowitzki and Mavs owner Mark Cuban said the decision came to rest Nowitzki after he played a season-high 42 minutes Tuesday in a 132-129 double-overtime win over the Chicago Bulls, according to ESPN's Tim McMahon.

However, the 36-year-old big man had told ESPN he was bothered by back tightness prior to and during the Chicago game, but played through it to the tune of 22 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists. 

Dallas coach Rick Carlisle admitted Wednesday that sitting Nowitzki is partially precautionary. He also rested last Saturday against the lowly Philadelphia 76ers.

The 17-year veteran is averaging 19.6 points and 5.8 boards a game so far this season.