DALLAS — The main reason the Mavericks are rolling into the playoffs is Josh Howard returning to the lineup and to his All-Star form of a few years ago.
After missing 11 games in November and December and 11 more in March, all because of an aching left ankle, Howard understood the only cure is offseason surgery. Knowing he’d have to tolerate pain no matter how hard he tried, he’s decided to go all out and endure the consequences.
“His energy on both ends of the floor is what we were missing,” Mavs center Dirk Nowitzki said. “Hopefully his ankle responds the right way. We’ve got a couple of days off now, then let it rip this weekend.”
Howard’s impact is easy to measure: Since his return March 31, Dallas is 7-2 overall, 6-1 in the games he’s played.
Coach Rick Carlisle proudly notes Dallas is the first team to start 2-7 and get 50 wins.
“Right now, we’re a confident group,” guard Jason Kidd said. “We’re playing well, we’re playing together.”
Ainge will miss opener.
BOSTON — Celtics general manager Danny Ainge won’t be at the team’s playoff opener after his minor heart attack.
Team spokesman Jeff Twiss said Friday that Ainge is resting comfortably and could be released from the hospital by Sunday. Boston plays Chicago on Saturday and Monday.
Magic duo will be ready.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Magic starting forwards Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu say their injuries won’t sideline them for the NBA playoffs.
Both participated in full-contact drills Friday. Lewis missed the last three games with right knee tendinitis. Turkoglu has minor pain in his sprained left ankle, which caused him to miss the last two games.
The pair are the top scorers on the Magic behind center Dwight Howard. Lewis averaged 17.7 points and Turkoglu 16.8 this season.
Jazz in bad spot.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah had a difficult schedule at the end, playing six straight road games against playoff-bound teams. The Jazz went 1-5 during that stretch. The Jazz haven’t beaten the Lakers in Los Angeles since 2006.
“We put ourselves in a bad position,” Jazz guard Deron Williams said.
