Mavs won't rush Nowitzki

The Dallas Mavericks will slowly ease Dirk Nowitzki back into the fray as the veteran German star recovers from a lingering Achilles problem, a report said on Monday.

Nowitzki missed Sunday's victory over the New Orleans Pelicans after complaining of soreness in his right Achilles despite recently showing signs of improvement.

Mavs coach Rick Carlisle told The Dallas Morning News he would not hesitate to rest Nowitzki as the 38-year-old battles back to fitness after playing only five of 16 games so far this season.