Josh Howard's impact on the Mavs

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The Mavericks might be on the verge of receiving some much-needed reinforcements for Tuesday's showdown with Shaquille O'Neal and the Miami Heat.

Josh Howard and Marquis Daniels each went through full practices Sunday, and if they continue to improve, one or both could be in uniform Tuesday. Howard (back spasms) has missed the past three games, and Daniels (sore left ankle) is on the injured list.

Having either back would help extend the rotation, especially at shooting guard and small forward. Michael Finley and Jerry Stackhouse have logged heavy minutes in the absence of the two second-year swingmen.

"Right now we're asking Fin and Stack to play 45 minutes a night, and that's a big grind on those guys," acting coach Avery Johnson said Sunday. "If I can get one of those guys back at least, it'll help bring Fin and Stack's minutes down. That'll keep them a lot fresher."

The Mavs' bench has been stretched thin lately. Normally the team's high-scoring sixth man, Stackhouse has taken his production to the starting lineup, leaving a definite void off the bench. The reserves scored a season-low five points in Saturday's 93-89 loss to Philadelphia at American Airlines Center.

"We're holding the fort down until we get more of the cavalry," Stackhouse said.

Johnson likely won't make a decision on using Howard and/or Daniels until gauging their progress after today's practice and Tuesday's morning shootaround.

For Daniels, getting back on the court isn't just about salvaging his season. He compared his current situation -- he hasn't played since Dec. 26 -- to last season.

Daniels didn't find a regular spot in the rotation until late in his rookie campaign. He has not only used the time off this season to heal; he has also worked on his game. He did the same last season.

"You have to look at it as a blessing in disguise," Daniels said.

Forty games remain before the playoffs.

"It's all about getting to the postseason and going as far as possible," Daniels said. "I want to help this team."

Star-Telegram