SHANGHAI -- Dirk Nowitzki's availability for the Dallas Mavericks' season opener is in significant doubt as he continues to slowly recover from April ankle surgery.
The 40-year-old face of the franchise has yet to practice with the Mavericks this preseason and will not do so during the team's weeklong China trip.
"This is weeks, not days, as far as getting on the court for live action," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. "He is making gradual progress, but we're not just at a point where we can talk about a hard timeline or anything like that.