Dallas Mavericks’ centre Brendan Haywood questionable for NBA Finals game-3 against Miami Heat
Dallas Mavericks reserve centre Brendan Haywood is under day-to-day observation with a right hip flexor injury, that he received in the second game of the NBA finals on Thursday night at the American Airlines Arena. Haywood’s participation
in the Sunday’s game-3 of the best-of-seven series has yet to be confirmed.
The Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said that Haywood’s participation in Sunday’s game depends upon his condition.
“We will know more tomorrow. He was not feeling well when he left the game.” “If he is able to play I am sure he will play. If not we will have to adjust,” Carlisle said.
Moments before the Mavericks handily defeated the Heat on Thursday in the second game of the NBA finals, the 31-year-old committed a foul and was taken to the locker room with a prominent hip injury.
The seven-foot centre did not take part in the practice session on Saturday and spent much of his time riding a stationary bicycle. However, Haywood was positive while updating the reporters about his injury, “I feel a lot better
than yesterday. I do not know what that means for tomorrow.”
Prior to injury, Haywood shot just 1-for-2 from the field, playing for eight- plus minute. He contributed two points in Mavericks’ 95-93 win over Miami that knot the series. Haywood has averaged 16 minutes off the bench during
these playoffs. He is also averaging 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 points and one block per game.
Coach Carlisle has indicated that the well-rested centre Ian Mahinmi is all set to replace Haywood, if he fails to make it for the next game.
Carlisle said, “We’ll have to have [Mahinmi] ready, or we can do some other things with some smaller line-ups.” “Whoever plays, we’re going to need them to be fully engaged, know exactly what we’re doing defensively and offensively.”
Mahinmi has not featured much in the playoffs, appearing in just three of the overall 17 games, played by the Mavericks so far. However, Mahinmi seemed enthusiastic about his chances in the next game as he said, “I have prepared
myself a lot since we came back from Miami. I did not take no break.” If my name is called, I have got to step onto that court and be confident and do what I do."
The absence of Haywood is no doubt a big deal for the Mavericks, but the introduction of Mahinmi may prove to be a blessing in disguise as he is a prolific free throw shooter, a facet of the game where Haywood struggles massively.
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