Dirk Nowitzki Injury: Mavericks Forward Out Four Games With Sore Knee

Dirk Nowitzki will miss the Dallas Mavericks' next four games with what's been officially deemed a sore right knee. However, an initial report from Mavs.com writer Earl Sneed indicates head coach Rick Carlisle is having Nowitzki sit out to work on his conditioning, creating a potentially awkward situation.

Here's the initial report from Sneed, which he quickly followed with the official reason.

BREAKING: Mavs coach Rick Carlisle says Dirk Nowitzki will be out at least four games to work on his conditioning.

— Earl K. Sneed (@EKS_MavsNBA) January 21, 2012

Officially it is a sore right knee for Dirk Nowitzki leading to him sitting for at least 4 games.

— Earl K. Sneed (@EKS_MavsNBA) January 22, 2012

No matter the reason, Dallas will be without Nowitzki's services through at least Jan. 29 as he either works on his conditioning or recovers from soreness in his right knee. Of course, there's a pretty significant difference between some kind of knee injury and a conditioning problem -- which is relatively minor in comparison.

We'll be back with more on Nowitzki as it becomes available. For more on Nowitzki, head over to Mavs Moneyball and SB Nation Dallas.