March 20, 2009

April Return?

There hasn't been any official word on an exact date for Josh's return.

Team officials have stated that he will be out at least another week and they hope to have him back by the beginning of April, reported David Moore and Ed Sefko:

If Howard returns from his ankle injury on April 1, he will have eight games to play his way back into shape. That's enough time to give the Mavericks some continuity and confidence heading into the playoffs, if Howard gives the team what it needs most – rebounding, defensive energy and a willingness to slice to the basket. Howard can do all of those things when healthy.

He must do those things for the Mavericks to be any sort of threat in the playoffs.

MAVS LOSE AGAIN
Dallas lost to the Atlanta Hawks, 95-87, at Philips Arena on Thursday night.

The Mavericks have lost three of four, but are still 3 1/2 ahead of the Phoenix Suns for the eighth and final playoff spot.

NEXT UP
The Mavs travel to Indiana tonight to face the Pacers (28-41), after that, the team has four days off before their next contest with the Golden State Warriors.

The Mavs overcame a 13-point, second-half deficit to beat the Pacers on Nov. 25. Josh was sidelined with a left ankle injury during his team’s comeback. Last season, he averaged 18.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in two games against the Pacers.

RELATED STORIES
Dallas Mavericks' passion play not enough for win vs. Hawks (Dallas Morning News, Mar. 20, 2009)
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Dallas Mavericks at Indiana Pacers preview (Dallas Morning News, Mar. 19, 2009)
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Mavs rebound (Dallas Morning News, Mar. 19, 2009)
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Hawks 95, Mavs 87: First, The Positives (DallasBasketball.com, Mar. 19, 2009)
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Johnson, Murray help soaring Hawks to seventh straight win (AP, Mar. 19, 2009)
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Dallas Mavericks need a productive Howard back to have any chance in playoffs (Dallas Morning News, Mar. 18, 2009)
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