Nowitzki practices for first time since knee surgery

DALLAS (AP) -- Dirk Nowitzki has gone through his first full practice with the Dallas Mavericks since undergoing knee surgery that forced the 11-time All-Star to miss every game so far this season.

Following the practice Wednesday, Nowitzki gave no real timetable on when he might make his season debut, except to say "maybe any time after Christmas."

Nowitzki had arthroscopic surgery on his ailing right knee Oct. 19. It was the first knee surgery for the 7-foot forward in his 15th NBA season.

Nowitzki said he'll see how his knee reacts after the first day of stopping, pushing off and moving. He said he plans to have a couple of similar practice and will absorb some contact as well before trying to play in a game.

For the original post visit: http://www.nba.com/2012/news/12/19/mavericks-nowitzki-first-practice.ap/index.html

Cavs center Varejao out with bruised knee

BOSTON (AP) -- Cleveland Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao missed Wednesday night's game against the Boston Celtics because of a bruised right knee.

Varejao, the NBA's leading rebounder at 14.4 per game, was injured Tuesday night against Toronto when he landed awkwardly on his right leg and crumpled to the floor in pain after being fouled late in the first quarter. He limped to the locker room, but returned with 9:04 remaining in the second quarter and finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds in 39 minutes.

After the game coach Byron Scott said he was still concerned about Varejao's availability against the Celtics.

Rookie Tyler Zeller got his first career start in Varejao's place.

For the original post visit: http://www.nba.com/2012/news/12/19/cavaliers-anderson-varejao-out.ap/index.html