Haywood Questionable For Game 3

Added on Jun 05, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

The Mavericks front court depth will be tested tonight with the news that reserve center Brendan Haywood will likely sit out with a strained hip flexor. Haywood first suffered the injury in practice a week ago, but tweaked it badly in Thursday’s Game 2 victory. He will officially be listed as a game-time decision, although is not expected to suit up.

Haywood displayed little to no movement during Saturday’s practice. He described the hip as being “tight.” If he can’t run at full speed, which he has yet to do since Thursday, he will not be cleared to play in tonight’s critical Game 3 in Dallas.

Haywood’s postseason numbers aren’t indicative of how valuable he’s been to the team. In 17 games, he has averaged 3.3 points and 4.3 rebounds. He’s also rejected a team-high 18 shots in only 16 minutes per night, providing the Mavericks a solid low post defender off the bench.

The trickle down effect of his absence will impact starting center Tyson Chandler as well. Chandler’s signature aggressive play has resulted in foul trouble several times in the playoffs. With no other legitimate big men behind him, Chandler must use better judgment with his six fouls.

Early foul difficulty for Chandler could force the Mavericks to employ a smaller lineup. Lucky for them, the Heat don’t boast a particularly big front line. Miami’s staring center, Joel Anthony, has grabbed only four boards in the first two games.

Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle could call upon second-year center Ian Mahinmi, who has played a total of six minutes in the postseason. He saw action in 56 regular season games, averaging 3.1 points and 2.1 rebounds. If nothing else, he could spell Chandler in stretches. However, relying on him for significant production would be unwise considering his lack of experience in pressure situations.

Game 3 will tip tonight shortly after 8pm. It will be the first of three straight games in Dallas.

Source: ESPN.com