DALLAS -- Backup center Brendan Haywood's status is officially a game-time decision, but the Dallas Mavericks are preparing as if he will not play in Sunday night's Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Haywood left Game 2 with a strained right hip flexor that he originally suffered during practice last week and aggravated during Thursday night's series-tying comeback win over the Miami Heat. His participation in Saturday's practice and Sunday's shootaround consisted of stand-still shooting.
"Still a little tight," Haywood said as he left the court following shootaround to get treatment from assistant athletic trainer Dionne Calhoun. The injury especially bothers Haywood when he tries to sprint, which he hasn't attempted since Game 2.
Dallas president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson has called Haywood the "unsung hero" of the Mavericks' playoff run. Haywood is averaging 3.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in 16 minutes during the playoffs. More importantly, he has served as a strong defensive backbone for a second unit that features a few scorers with defensive limitations.
Ian Mahinmi, a 6-foot-10, 24-year-old reserve, could get his first significant playing time of the postseason. Coach Rick Carlisle could also opt to go with a smaller lineup that features 6-foot-7 Shawn Marion at center when starting big man Tyson Chandler rests.
Chandler staying out of foul trouble is always a key for the Mavs, but that is especially true if Haywood isn't able to play. Chandler has fouled out twice in the playoffs and been in foul trouble in several other games.
"He's going to have to be aggressive but discreet about foul trouble," Carlisle said. "In these situations, he might have to play on the ground a little bit more."
Added Chandler: "I've just got to be smart about my fouls and situations. I've still got to be aggressive, still going to challenge shots. But going for pump fakes and all that stuff, I've got to be smart about that."
