The Mavericks aren't sure when forward Josh Howard will be able to play following offseason surgery on his left ankle.

"Stay tuned," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said when asked if Howard could miss the start of the regular season.

"Giving a timetable was probably a mistake. We have to play this by ear," he added. "I'll probably announce it the day he is going to play -- whether that is in two weeks or a month or a month and a half."

The Mavericks will open their season on Oct. 27.