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.”

Haywood is listed as day-to-day with the hip. Without him, the Mavericks went with a smaller lineup and used Ian Mahinmi as the backup to Tyson Chandler in Game 3.

“He gave it a shot last night, and it just wasn’t suite where it needed to be,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. “A tough situation. But with each day, hopefully Mother Nature can help out. We’ll see if we can have him ready for tomorrow.”