Josh Howard tried to test his sore ankle on Saturday night when the Mavericks battled the Kings, but after just a few minutes he went to the locker room in pain.

Coach Rick Carlisle said Howard has been diligent while rehabbing the ankle, but has no timetable for the forward's return.

When asked if the team's medical staff gave him any reason to be optimistic about Howard's return during the Mavericks upcoming seven-game home stand, Carlisle said:

"I?m hopeful. I?d like to say that I?m optimistic, but really it?s up to Mother Nature at this point. I know that he?s doing everything he can do in terms of treatment to try and condition the ankle as it progresses. But I don?t have a crystal ball right now. Obviously the sooner the better for us."