[BASKETBALL 101]

Nowitzki rests injured ankle, passes on MRI
08:36 PM CDT on Thursday, October 16, 2003

By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News


Dirk Nowitzki sat out Thursday's practice session to rest his sprained right ankle, but he waved off the coaching and medical staff when they suggested he get an MRI test to check for structural damage.

"I told them it wasn't that bad," Nowitzki said. "They wanted me to do it. But I've done this so many times, I know when it's hurt."

Nowitzki rode the stationary bike during practice, then shot some free throws. He has suffered ankle injuries numerous times during his career. The latest one came when he stepped on the foot of Jiri Welsch during a one-on-one drill in Wednesday's workout.

Nowitzki said he wasn't sure whether he would play Saturday against Philadelphia or Sunday at San Antonio.

"We'll see how it feels Saturday," Nowitzki said. "It doesn't make any sense to play if it's not well."

Eduardo Najera took part in the full practice, the first time he has been able to do that since spraining his shoulder Saturday.