Jett Howard was added to Dallas's injury report Wednesday as day-to-day with an illness and ruled out of the preseason game against New Orleans. The Mavericks will be without him Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET, leaning on their backcourt and wing rotation in his place.
What happened
Howard was added to Dallas's injury report Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. ET, listed day-to-day with an illness. He had not been on the report before this entry. The Mavericks ruled him out for Wednesday's preseason game against New Orleans, a decision confirmed by Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com. The report lists an expected return of Oct. 16. No further detail on the illness was given beyond the day-to-day designation.
What it means for the Mavericks
Dallas hosts New Orleans Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on NBA TV, the same preseason game Howard will miss. Last season Howard averaged 5.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 12.6 minutes across 55 games, bench scoring off the perimeter. Without him, the Mavericks lean on the backcourt and wing group that has carried minutes in his absence: Brandon Williams at 22.2 minutes and 13.0 points, Max Christie at 29.1 minutes and 12.3 points, and Klay Thompson at 21.7 minutes and 11.7 points. Cooper Flagg (33.5 minutes, 21.0 points) and Anthony Davis (31.3 minutes, 20.4 points) remain the top options. The 2026-27 season has not started, so Dallas carries no regular-season record with or without Howard.
What to watch
Dallas lists an expected return of Oct. 16 for Howard, two days after he was ruled out. The team has not announced further detail beyond the day-to-day status and the illness designation. The next injury report will show whether he is upgraded in time for Dallas's remaining preseason schedule before the 2026-27 regular season opens.
Is Jett Howard playing vs Pelicans?
No. Howard has been ruled out for Wednesday's preseason game against New Orleans with an illness.
When will Jett Howard be back?
The injury report lists an expected return of Oct. 16.