Nowitzki Injured Playing for Germany

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"BRAUNSCHWEIG, Germany (AP) -- Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki injured his ankle Sunday night while playing in a game for Germany.

Mavericks spokeswoman Sarah Melton said Sunday that Nowitzki sustained a mild left ankle sprain. An MRI exam showed no bone or ligament damage.

Nowitzki is expected to rejoin the German national team on Wednesday following the team's two-day break.

Melton said Nowitzki rolled his ankle when he stepped on another player's foot.

Nowitzki was fouled by Florent Pietrus in the 13th minute of Germany's 76-68 loss to France in a warmup match for next month's European Championships. He hobbled off the court with a pain-twisted face.

The German Basketball Federation paid a big insurance premium to gain a release from the Mavericks that would allow him to play for Germany."

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From ESPN.com

BRAUNSCHWEIG, Germany -- Dirk Nowitzki injured his left ankle Sunday night while playing a game for Germany, but theDallas Mavericks said Sunday that their star did not suffer bone or ligament damage.

The German team has the next two days off before practicing again on Wednesday. The next game is Friday, but there is no immediate word whether Nowitzki will be able to play.

The Mavericks said Nowitzki's injury isn't expected to be a lengthy one, and that he will not miss the start of training camp next month.

"Dirk has a ligament injury in his ankle," Germany team doctor Juergen Klein said. "After undergoing the examination we can say more, and if he will miss games, or for how long."

A Mavericks spokeswoman said Nowitzki rolled his ankle when he stepped on another player's foot.

Nowitzki was fouled by Florent Pietrus in the 13th minute of Germany's 76-68 loss to France in a warmup game for next month's European Championships. He hobbled off the court grimacing in pain.

The German Basketball Federation paid a big insurance premium to gain a release from the Mavericks that would allow him to play for Germany.