fBasketballBlog

Howard's been chomping on more than just his towel lately. (Flickr/Keith Allison)

[Read the full post at DimeMag.com]

Beast of the Night: Dwight Howard finished his big night with 26 points, 23 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks in a tough loss to the Mavericks. He shot 58 percent (11-19) from the field, 100 percent (4-4) from the free-throw line and had three turnovers. This was his third straight game with 20+ rebounds, and Howard is averaging 23.7 points, 21 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2 blocks during that stretch.

Lines for Discussion:
Serge Ibaka: 3-9 FG (33%), 4-4 FT (100%), 10 Pts, 9 Reb, 2 Blk

Beno Udrih: 11-18 FG (61%), 8-8 FT (100%), 4 threes, 34 Pts, 7 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 5 TO

Carl Landry: 8-11 FG (73%), 6-7 FT (86%), 22 Pts, 10 Reb, 1 Ast, 3 Stl, 2 Blk

Andrew Bynum: 3-4 FG (75%), 6 Pts, 3 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Blk

Kris Humphries: 6-11 FG (55%), 12 Pts, 15 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Blk, 1 TO

O.J. Mayo: 6-15 FG (40%), 4-5 FT (80%), 1 three, 17 Pts, 1 Reb, 2 Stl

Waiver-Wire Watch:
J.J. Redick, Nick Collison, Kurt Thomas, Vladimir Radmanovic, Ersan Ilyasova, Earl Boykins, Sasha Vujacic, Travis Outlaw

Injuries:
Kendrick Perkins (knee): took part in the most on-court activity Tuesday since his knee surgery, could return to the lineup as soon as late January

Nazr Mohammed (hamstring): day-to-day

Chauncey Billups (wrist): plans to return tonight

Rodney Stuckey (toe): probable tonight

Tracy McGrady (groin): ditto

Darren Collison (ankle): says he’s fine

Craig Smith (back): will miss at least two weeks because of a herniated disc

Vince Carter (knee): will not have surgery, but could take time off

Brandon Roy (knee): not joining the Blazers on their upcoming three-game road trip

Sonny Weems (back): didn’t practice Monday, should be monitored

Jose Calderon (foot): didn’t practice Monday, should be ready tonight

Amir Johnson (back): didn’t practice Monday, should be monitored

Andrea Bargnani (ankle): should be good to go tonight

Drew Gooden (foot): day-to-day

Anderson Varejao (hip, ribs): could miss tonight’s game