DALLAS (AP) - Mavericks swingman Josh Howard will be out at least another week because of an injured left ankle that may need surgery.
The team says Howard will get a cortisone shot this week and will try to practice late next week. In a statement, the team added arthroscopic surgery "will be planned to address chronic issues regarding his ankle at a later date.""He's going to be out a while longer, then we'll see where things are," coach Rick Carlisle said Tuesday. "We're not going to get into a Josh Watch every day and answer questions. He won't play this week and I don't know if he'll play next week. Beyond that, there will be an update at some point."
The former All-Star last played March 5.
Howard has missed several chunks of time this season with various injuries. In 45 games, he averaged 18.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists over 32.3 minutes.
"He's doing everything he can do to get himself better," Carlisle said. "We're dealing with Mother Nature again and she's really being (difficult). That's the way it goes. He's working at it and we're hoping for the best. But there are no guarantees."
