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The Howard injury was especially infuriating to Van Gundy because it came on what he felt was a flagrant play. Van Gundy has been on somewhat of a mission to protect his six-time all-star center because of the hard fouls he takes in the low post from defenders determined not to give up dunks. ``It happened on that one possession twice and it’s a little frustrating. That (punch) one I’m going to send in (to the league office) because that one was out of hand,’’ Van Gundy said. ``The guy’s punching a guy in the back, meanwhile at the other end … I’ll just leave it at that.’’ NBA.com

Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic, Dwight Howard, Brendan Haywood, Stan Van Gundy 

The Mavericks’ roster is close to being whole again. Center Brendan Haywood and guard Delonte West participated in Monday’s practice and will be listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Houston Rockets. Haywood (sprained right knee) has missed the last five games. West (fractured right ring finger) has been out since Feb. 15. “We didn’t do a lot of live contact things today, but they went through a lot of other stuff,” coach Rick Carlisle said. “So they’re inching closer.” ESPN.com

Dallas Mavericks, Delonte West, Brendan Haywood, Injuries 

Dwain Price: "Nobody needs to call Dr. Phil." --Mavs center Brendan Haywood after tonight's loss to New Orleans Twitter

Dallas Mavericks, Brendan Haywood 

The ultimate disaster for New Jersey would be if Williams and Howard end up playing together, but not in Brooklyn. With some roster alterations that are doable, including using their one amnesty move on Brendan Haywood, the Mavs could be set up, cap-wise, to accommodate both players. “The Mavs want to do what Miami did and put together their own big three,’’ said another GM. “That’s their goal.” New York Daily News

Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, Brendan Haywood, New Jersey 

After further review, the NBA assessed Dallas center Brendan Haywood a flagrant two foul after he clocked Gasol in the final minute of Wednesday's game. The decision meant that "unnecessary and excessive contact" took place, though it did not carry a suspension. "From my definition of a flagrant…I think the refs missed that," Brown said. "I don't know how anybody could think [Haywood] was going for the ball. I think he was trying to foul Pau. He might be able to join Shaq in the WWF '[Royal] Rumble 25' or something like that." Los Angeles Times

Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Pau Gasol, Brendan Haywood 

However, Brendan Haywood, who was Chandler's backup last season, has fared much better than anyone anticipated. "I think we were really worried coming into the season losing Tyson," Dirk Nowitzki said. "But the way Haywood has been playing is just phenomenal to see." "Really, he's doing some of the same stuff Tyson did for us -- protecting the paint, blocking shots, battling. He gets a lot of that credit." Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Dallas Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki, Brendan Haywood 

Haywood and Mahinmi are combining to average 13.6 points, 11.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game, numbers that aren’t far off those produced by the Chandler-Haywood duo last season. “We have a good tag team just because we offer two contrasting styles of basketball,” said Haywood, who had 10 points and six rebounds in 19 minutes against the Suns. “We’re both confident in what we can do. It’s worked out pretty well for us so far. Hopefully, we can keep it going.” Haywood is the traditional paint-protecting, glass-cleaning big man. Mahinmi, who had 17 points, nine rebounds and three blocks in 29 minutes off the bench against the Suns, is more athletic and has more finesse to his game. “It’s Super Bowl time. It’s like the Giants,” said Haywood, the biggest football fan in the Mavs’ locker room. “You’ve got Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. Guess which one I am.” ESPN.com

Dallas Mavericks, Brendan Haywood, Ian Mahinmi 

Michael Lee: Brendan Haywood wants Mavs to stay intact: “I would love for everybody to come back but it’s a business & you know that can’t always happen" Twitter

Dallas Mavericks, Free Agency, Trade, Brendan Haywood 

Going down the amnesty road with Haywood won't even be considered, sources say, until the Mavs know whether they can keep highly coveted free agent Tyson Chandler. ESPN.com

Dallas Mavericks, Free Agency, Brendan Haywood, Tyson Chandler 

Circumstances are different in the Mavs' post-championship universe. Going down the amnesty road with Haywood won't even be considered, sources say, until the Mavs know if they can or can't keep highly coveted free agent Tyson Chandler. And even if it does manage to hang onto Chandler, Dallas contends that it could have traded Haywood last season if it wanted to and thus should keep Chandler's backup to see what kind of trade market is out there for him if necessary. Given that the final year on Haywood's contract -- worth $10.5 million in 2015-16 -- is fully unguaranteed, Dallas would also argue that his deal isn't as ghastly as it looks on paper. ESPN.com

Dallas Mavericks, Free Agency, Trade, Brendan Haywood, Tyson Chandler 

It sure seems as if Eddy Curry will be given every opportunity to make the (Miami) roster on a minimum-scale contract, and if amnesty, indeed, is part of the new collective-bargaining agreement, I could see Brendan Haywood being added as the starting center. Haywood-Anthony-Curry (or Dexter Pittman) arguably would be as good as anything the Heat had last season. An element that grouping would lack, though, is a center who can draw opposing big men from the post, as Ilgauskas did. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Miami Heat, Eddy Curry, Brendan Haywood, Dexter Pittman 

“All the guys I’ve talked to are like, ‘Can you believe this stuff about Javaris?’ ” said Brendan Haywood, his former teammate in Washington, who now plays for the Dallas Mavericks. “This is a grounded guy everybody got along with, real quiet guy. I’m still in shock and think there has to be some mistake.” Washington Post

Dallas Mavericks, Javaris Crittenton, Gilbert Arenas, Law, Brendan Haywood 

Dwain Price: I asked Brendan Haywood if Cuban gave each player a Rolls Royce instead of a ring if he'd like that. He said he can buy his own Rolls Royce. Twitter

Dallas Mavericks, Brendan Haywood 

Michael Dugat: Haywood: "I don't really see Tyson leaving." Twitter

Dallas Mavericks, Brendan Haywood, Tyson Chandler 

Brendan Haywood has been activated for Game 6 tonight. The Dallas Mavericks’ backup center went out and practiced on the AmericanAirlines Arena court a few minutes ago and declared himself strong enough to give it a go tonight when the Mavs try to close out the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat. Haywood strained his hip flexor in the fourth quarter of Game 2, and was sidelined for Games 3 and 5 while playing just three minutes in Game 4. Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, Brendan Haywood 

Dallas Mavericks backup center Brendan Haywood said Saturday that he believes he can play in Game 6 despite an ailing right hip that has sidelined him for all but three minutes of the last three games. "I definitely do," Haywood said. "I'm going to give it a shot. I'm going to give it my best." ESPN.com

Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, Brendan Haywood, Injuries 

Tim MacMahon: Brendan Haywood is officially a game-time decision. I wouldn't bet on him playing in Game 5. Twitter

Dallas Mavericks, Brendan Haywood, Injuries 

Injured backup center Brendan Haywood didn't practice with the Mavericks on Wednesday because he's still recovering from a strained right hip flexor. Haywood, who missed Game 3 with the injury, played only three minutes in Game 4 on Tuesday. Haywood was able to do some light shooting and ride the stationary bike during Wednesday's practice. After the Mavericks' Game 4 victory, Haywood said he didn't think he could play the next game. When asked about his availability for Game 5, Haywood said, "I don't know. I have to listen to the doctor and my body." ESPN.com

Dallas Mavericks, Brendan Haywood, Injuries 

Backup center Brendan Haywood will test his injured right hip during the Dallas Mavericks' shootaround and could play in Tuesday's Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Haywood, who left Game 2 with a strained right hip flexor and did not play in Game 3, said he is feeling better. An MRI exam confirmed that the swelling in the hip has gone down significantly. The 7-footer will attempt to sprint for the first time since aggravating the injury he originally suffered during a practice before the Finals. Coach Rick Carlisle said Haywood's status would be a game-time decision. "If I can sprint and change directions, we'll give it a try," Haywood said. "You can't be in a Finals game if you can't sprint and change directions on the court." ESPN.com

Dallas Mavericks, Brendan Haywood, Injuries 

Earl K. Sneed: Brendan Haywood is moving well and shooting at Mavs practice. A little stiff but progress. Twitter

Dallas Mavericks, Brendan Haywood, Injuries