Dirk Nowitzki won't play against the Cavaliers on Sunday, but he hopes to be in the lineup sooner rather than later.

"They make you work harder when you're injured than when you're not," he said.

Nowitzki sprained his right knee on Monday night against the Thunder.

"Yeah, hopefully we can get these two games on this trip and then next week sometime I'll be able to go," he said.

"I really like the way the guys have responded. (Brian) Cardinal was great, playing tough and giving out hard fouls. (Alexis) Ajinca came in and did a good job. It's going to be tough without Shawn, but we got guys who can get it done."