HIROSHIMA, Japan, Aug 18 - Japan coach Zeljko Pavlicevic knows stopping Dirk Nowitzki is a tall order for his under-sized squad, but the Croatian has a strategy to stop the seven-foot (2.13 metre) forward and his German team mates.

"It's difficult for teams in the NBA to stop Nowitzki when he is having a good day," Pavlicevic told reporters on Friday. "We will try to do something to stop him and stop the German team.

"How we will try to do it? You will see tomorrow."

Japan will be counting on a capacity crowd at Hiroshima's Green Arena to provide an emotional lift but even 10,000 raucous supporters may not be enough to tip the scales.

Much of the responsibility of slowing down Nowitzki is expected to rest with 21-year-old Kosuke Takeuchi.

At 2.05 metres, Takeuchi is the tallest member of the Japanese squad but Pavlicevic is confident what his team lacks in height they will make up for in effort.

"We have a big difference in height and it will be difficult but we will do our best," said Pavlicevic.

"We will do our best to play against one of the strongest teams of the championships."

Lead by Nowitzki, the Dallas Mavericks made it all the way to the NBA finals before falling to the Miami Heat last season.

During the post-season, Nowitzki averaged 27 points and over 11 rebounds, posting playoff highs of 50 points against Phoenix and 21 rebounds against San Antonio.

The 28-year-old power forward also knows his way around the international game having guided Germany to a silver medal at last year's European championships and earning MVP honours.

"We don't have that kind of player so we will do our best with the team," said Pavlicevic, but added that nothing was impossible.

"Basketball is basketball and some surprises can be done."