Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki: Sees restricted minutes Friday

Nowitzki contributed eight points (4-6 FG, 0-2 3Pt), three rebounds, three blocks and one assist across 16 minutes in a 102-89 loss to the Spurs on Friday.

With the Mavericks eliminated from playoff contention, it looks like coach Rick Carlisle intends to take it easy on the team's main contributors down the stretch. Aside from undrafted rookie Yogi Ferrell, who has stepped in as the starting point guard with Seth Curry (shoulder) out, Nowitzki and the Mavs' other three starters all saw 18 minutes or fewer Friday. Given that Nowitzki recently got over an Achilles injury, expect his playing time to remain restricted over the final thee contests, making him an unappealing lineup option in most season-long leagues entering the last week of the season.