Charlotte in a game in which he scored 21 points in 35 minutes. Howard

said he fell out of bounds and a Bobcats' player fell on him. He was

OK after the game, but experienced swelling overnight. Howard was

walking in a protective sleeve before the game. Howard had been back

in the lineup just three games after missing two with a sprained left

wrist. The Mavericks said Howard probably will have tests on the ankle

Thursday when the team returns to Dallas.

The benefactor of Howard's absence was F James Singleton, who got

his first start of the season, and young F Shawne Williams, who played

31 minutes and put in a strong defensive effort on Ron Artest.

--G/F Jerry Stackhouse, who publicly asked to be traded or

released on Monday, remained in his home state of North Carolina

Wednesday to visit with family while he rehabs his injured right heel.

Stackhouse was inactive Sunday against the Knicks, but not for injury

purposes. On Monday, after stating his unwillingness to accept a

reduced role and his desire to play elsewhere, he said he would be out

indefinitely until his heel feels better.

The team wants Stackhouse to mentor young swingman Gerald Green

and provide the experience and tenacity the Mavs have come to expect,

especially during the late portions of the season and the playoffs, if

the Mavs are still playing.

On Tuesday, Mavs owner Mark Cuban said he would not buyout the

remainder of Stackhouse's contract, but he will entertain trade offers.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Sometimes it's good to go through something that's

going to test a team. Are we going to give in to the slow start or

fight our way out? This is a group of guys that's gong to fight its

way out." -- G Jason Kidd, on the Mavs' push to get out of a 2-7 start

to the season.