Dallas Mavericks F Dirk Nowitzki uncertain for Game 3

The Dallas Mavericks might be without franchise icon Dirk Nowitzki when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder in Thursday's Game 3 of the first-round series.

Nowitzki was injured Monday and underwent an MRI exam on Tuesday that revealed he has a bone bruise in his right knee. It isn't yet known whether or not he can recover in time to play in the pivotal Game 3.

"Dirk suffered a bruised right knee on the play very early in the game when he slid and fell," coach Rick Carlisle told reporters. "This thing with Dirk now, we hope this is not something that's going to cost him to miss any time."

The underdog Mavericks tied the series at 1-1 with a dramatic 85-84 victory in Oklahoma City on Monday. Nowitzki scored 17 points in 38 minutes despite the injury.

Not having Nowitzki would rank as a blow to a team already dealing with a rash of injuries.

Point guard J.J. Berea (groin) and forward David Lee (foot) missed Game 2 and their status for Thursday's contest hasn't yet been firmed up.

Carlisle termed point guard Deron Williams (sports hernia) as "uncertain going forward" after he played in Game 2. Point guard Devin Harris (thumb, hamstring) also played through injuries in Game 2.

Williams took pain-killing medicine prior to Game 2 and exited in the third quarter. He is holding out hope the break between games will give him a chance to play in Game 3.

"I've got three days now to try to get treatment and do what I can do to get it back ready to go again," Williams told reporters.