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Nowitzki injured his left leg in yesterday's game against the Spurs (which the Mavs lost 88-81) while going for a block in the 3rd quarter.



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DALLAS - Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks is out indefinitely with a moderate high ankle sprain and a mildly sprained knee.



It's a blow to the Mavericks' title hopes — and perhaps their chances of making the playoffs. The team announced the diagnosis after the reigning MVP got an MRI exam Monday, the day after he was injured during a game against San Antonio. He landed awkwardly on his left leg after running to block a shot.



Nowitzki said he's hoping to be out only one or two weeks. The regular season ends three weeks from Wednesday.



"I'm trying to see the positive and it could've been a lot worse," Nowitzki said, wearing a protective boot on his left ankle. "It could've been a season-ending injury or even career-ending."



He said the ankle and knee are both still stiff. He's trying to reduce swelling by putting them in ice every two hours, even when he sleeps. Doctors will check him out again Tuesday, then set a rehabilitation plan.



"Hopefully I can move where I can already go on the underwater treadmill a little bit in the next couple of days, so at least I can put some pressure on it and see how it feels," Nowitzki said.



Nowitzki has had plenty of traditional ankle sprains, but never a "high" one, which is closer to the shin. Local sports fans became familiar with the injury a few months ago, when Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens was out for three weeks then returned for the playoffs.



"Usually I'm good with recovering from injuries," Nowitzki said. "I know I'm not 20 any more, but I still feel young, my body feels young. So hopefully I can recover pretty quick." [...]

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