DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Mavericks starting center Brendan Haywood isn’t playing against the New York Knicks because of a sprained left ankle.
Haywood rolled his ankle on the opening possession in a loss Monday night at Oklahoma City.
Coach Rick Carlisle says Tuesday there is still some swelling in Haywood’s ankle, but hopes he’s back soon. The center will travel with the team when it leaves for three games in three nights, beginning Thursday night at Phoenix.
The Mavericks are also without post player Brandan Wright, who missed his third consecutive game after a concussion and won’t travel.
Haywood became the starter after Tyson Chandler left in free agency. Chandler, now with the Knicks, will be the last player from last year’s Mavericks team to get his NBA championship ring.
