Carlisle: Nowitzki to increase activity; still out indefinitely

The Dallas Mavericks' season feels all but lost at this point with a league-worst 6-18 record, which is why the team is playing it extra safe with injured franchise forward Dirk Nowitzki.

Head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters Monday that the 38-year-old veteran will see his activity increased but is not yet closing in on a return as he continues dealing with an Achilles strain, according to the Star-Telegram's Dwain Price.

"I think what Mark (Cuban) was telling you was that (Nowitzki’s) activity level is going to be increased this week," Carlisle said. "So we’ll look forward to that and hope that things continue to go the right way and that no further setback happens.

"But we’re a ways away still. He’s still out indefinitely."

Nowitzki has only suited up for five games this regular season, averaging 12.2 points on 35.8 percent shooting, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 26.2 minutes. Despite Dallas continuing to struggle in his absence, the club is is taking the cautious approach.

"He took a few days of doing very little in terms of on-court activity to let the Achilles heal up (and) feel better,’’ Carlisle added. "He’s ramping up his activity some at the beginning of the week, so we’ll see.

"We certainly hope that he can get back into practice, but I don’t know of any definites. I haven’t talk to Mark about that."

Dallas opened its four-game week on Monday with a 112-92 win over the Denver Nuggets. They'll square off against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, head to Salt Lake City to battle the Utah Jazz on Friday, then return home Sunday to face the Sacramento Kings.