
Josh Howard started at SF for the ailing Mavericks on Tuesday, notching 14 points, three rebounds and one assist in a crushing loss to the Nuggets.
Dallas was never competitive in this game, and the Howard-as-starting-SF experiment won't last once Shawn Marion is healthy enough to play. On the plus side, Howard has scored double-digit points in four consecutive games and is showing signs of life as we head into the final months of the season.

Shawn Marion was a last-second scratch on Tuesday because of lower back tightness.
The Mavericks moved Josh Howard into the starting lineup, and it wouldn't be surprising if Marion also rests vs. the Suns on Wednesday. Considering his muted production it's probably wise to bench him in daily leagues.

Mavericks center Erick Dampier will not play on Tuesday as he continues to rest his injured left knee.
Dampier hasn't had a setback, but there is persistent soreness in his knee and it makes sense for Dallas to take advantage of the upcoming week-long break. This should help his effectiveness in the long run, while Drew Gooden should be a solid option again on Tuesday.
Mavs rookie Rodrigue Beaubois played one minute in Monday's win over the Warriors.
This comes a day after Mark Cuban called Beaubois "untouchable" and a week after coach Rick Carlisle said that Beaubois would be Jason Kidd's backup. Beaubois picked up two fouls and turned it over twice in his one minute, so we expect better days ahead. This is just a reminder that he has a long way to go.

Jason Terry scorched the Warriors for a season-high 36 points in Monday's victory, making 9-of-17 FGs, 6-of-9 threes, and 12-of-13 FTs. He also had six rebounds, nine assists and three steals.
Yes, this came against Golden State. But in 10 starts this season Terry is averaging 18.2 points, 2.2 threes, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 37 minutes. Hopefully he'll keep it up -- the Mavericks have been seeking a reliable second scorer behind Dirk, and Terry is the most likely man for the job.
Drew Gooden got hot with Erick Dampier out on Monday, coming off the bench for 24 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block and 41 minutes. He made 8-of-14 FGs and 8-of-8 FTs.
It took less than two minutes for the Mavs to sub Gooden for fill-in starter Eduardo Najera, and they never looked back. The main thing to remember in fantasy leagues -- in 12 games without Dampier this year, Gooden has averaged 11.7 points and 10.8 rebounds.

Josh Howard scored a season-high 25 points on 7-of-12 FGs and 10-of-12 FTs in Monday's win, adding one 3-pointer, three rebounds and one assist.
Another season-high in scoring? The opponent, of course, was the Warriors. Nevertheless, Howard was very aggressive and he played 37 minutes -- both signs that he's getting healthier. He's been playing poorly all year, mostly because of injuries, and was recently linked via trade rumors with the Wizards and 76ers.
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