DENVER (AP) Dirk Nowitzki didn't play against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night and the Dallas Mavericks aren't sure when the All-Star forward will return.

Nowitzki sprained his right ankle Wednesday night against Phoenix when he was called for an offensive foul in the first quarter. He had to be helped from the floor and was still walking with crutches Friday morning.

Mavericks coach Don Nelson said Nowitzki won't play Saturday against Minnesota.

``Looks like a while to me,'' Nelson said. ``He was on crutches today, which isn't good.''

Nowitzki is Dallas' leading scorer at 19.2 points per game and is second on the team with 7.3 rebounds.