Mavericks guard Jett Howard was downgraded from day-to-day to out for Friday's game at Indiana because of a right calf injury. Dallas, 0-1, will be without him and four other players on the injury report.
What happened
Howard, 23, was listed as out on the injury report at 6:07 PM ET on Friday, Oct. 23, less than an hour before tipoff in Indiana. He had been day-to-day. The injury is to his right calf. The report's comment had listed him as doubtful for Friday's game against the Pacers. His status has changed several times this week. He was cleared and then listed day-to-day with the calf on Tuesday, Oct. 20. On Wednesday, Oct. 21, he went to out and then back to day-to-day. He was also day-to-day with an illness on Oct. 14.
What it means for the Mavericks
Dallas plays at Indiana at 7:00 PM ET on Friday. The Mavericks are 0-1, 10th in the standings, and lost their opener without Howard. Last season he played 55 games and averaged 5.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 12.6 minutes, so he is a bench piece, not a starter. In the game without him, Max Christie played 28.5 minutes, Kyrie Irving 23.8 and Marcus Sasser 23.7. Sasser scored 17 points. Cooper Flagg led the team with 32 points in 32.9 minutes. Caleb Martin, Tarik Biberovic, Dereck Lively II and Santi Aldama are also out, which leaves the rotation thin.
What to watch
The injury report lists Howard's expected return as Oct. 24, the day after the Indiana game. That date can change. His status has moved back and forth all week, so the next injury report matters more than the date. Watch whether he goes back to day-to-day or comes off the report. Also watch Sasser's minutes and Christie's role while Howard is out, and whether any of the other four injured Mavericks return.
Is Jett Howard playing at Pacers on Friday?
No. He is listed as out for Friday's 7:00 PM ET game at Indiana with a right calf injury.
When will Jett Howard be back?
The injury report lists an expected return of Oct. 24. Dallas has not announced a specific game for his return.