Jett

Howard

Howard is trending in the right direction after initially being expected to miss a third straight game to start the year. With Cooper Flagg (shoulder) out and Kyrie Irving (knee) doubtful, Howard could end up seeing rotation minutes if he plays, though not enough to warrant fantasy consideration.

Howard’s continued absence will not affect fantasy basketball, as he is not guaranteed to receive rotation minutes even if healthy.

Howard will miss a second consecutive game to open the 2026-27 campaign, and it’s unclear when he’ll be ready to return. His absence won’t impact fantasy basketball.

Listed as questionable on Dallas’ initial injury report, Howard was downgraded to doubtful on Wednesday afternoon. He’s out now, and the former first-round pick’s absence won’t affect the Mavericks’ rotation or fantasy basketball.

The two-way guard is set to miss the season opener, but he’s simply a depth option in Dallas’ rotation. Howard’s availability won’t cause ripples in the fantasy basketball world.

Howard’s status for the season opener is up in the air, though it’s unclear where he fits in the Mavs’ rotation. On a two-way contract, it’s unlikely he sees the floor much regardless of his status.

Not long after the Mavericks waived forward Tyler Smith, opening up a two-way contract slot, the franchise filled the vacancy by signing Howard. The 11th overall pick in the 2023 draft, Howard failed to earn consistent rotation minutes in his three seasons with the Magic. He appeared in 55 games last season, averaging 5.5 points and 1.6 rebounds in 12.6 minutes. Howard shot the ball reasonably well from beyond the arc, making 37.2 percent of his attempts. He joins John Poulakidis and Tobi Lawal as two-way contract players on the Mavericks roster.

Howard missed the final five games of the regular season but will be available for Orlando’s first game of the play-in tournament. If he sees the floor, it will likely only be in a limited capacity off the bench.

While Howard did not go through any contact work during Tuesday’s practice, his status has been upgraded to questionable. He’s been out since April 3, and a return to action would have minimal impact on Orlando’s wing rotation, so don’t expect too much from Howard if he’s available.

Howard and Isaac have made progress in their respective recoveries, but neither has reached the point where they’ll be available for games. Given the lack of contact during Tuesday’s practice, the Magic may not have either player at their disposal until the playoffs if Orlando qualifies. Both are out for Wednesday’s Play-In Tournament game against the 76ers.