Mavericks guard Jett Howard was upgraded from out to day-to-day with a right calf injury late Wednesday night, after he missed Wednesday's game against the Rockets. The injury report lists Oct. 23 as his expected return, the date of Dallas' game at Indiana.
What happened
Howard, a 23-year-old guard, moved from out to day-to-day on the injury report at 11:58 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 21. The injury is to his right calf. The report's comment said Howard (calf) had been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Rockets. His status has changed several times this week. He was listed day-to-day with an illness on Oct. 14 and cleared on Oct. 20. He went back to day-to-day with the calf the same day. He was downgraded to out on Oct. 21, then upgraded again that night.
What it means for the Mavericks
Dallas plays at Indiana on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. ET. The Mavericks are 0-1, 12th in the West, and lost the only game they have played. Howard missed that game, so they are 0-1 without him and have not played with him yet this season. Last season he appeared in 55 games and averaged 5.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 12.6 minutes. That is a bench role, not a starter's load. Dallas has a crowded injury list. Caleb Martin (right thumb), Tarik Biberovic (right heel) and Santi Aldama (knee) are all day-to-day, and Dereck Lively II is out with a right foot injury.
What to watch
The next injury report before Friday's game will show whether Howard is available. The report lists Oct. 23 as his expected return, which lines up with the trip to Indiana. Day-to-day does not guarantee he plays, and his status has gone back and forth all week. Also watch the reports on Martin, Biberovic and Aldama, since their status will decide how many guards and wings Dallas has against the Pacers.
Is Jett Howard playing at Pacers on Friday?
He is day-to-day with a right calf injury. The injury report lists Oct. 23, the date of the Pacers game, as his expected return. A final decision on Friday has not been announced.
When will Jett Howard be back?
The injury report lists Oct. 23 as his expected return. That is the day Dallas plays at Indiana at 7 p.m. ET.