National Basketball Association

Rockets C Howard tweaks ankle in practice, questionable vs. Mavs

Published Jan. 27, 2015 4:24 p.m. ET

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HOUSTON -- Dwight Howard could miss Houston's game against Dallas on Wednesday night after tweaking his injured right ankle in practice.

Howard missed Sunday's game after spraining his ankle on Friday night. He started practice on Tuesday, but left after turning his ankle in the workout.

''Hopefully I can play ... we'll see what happens (Wednesday),'' Howard said.

Also on Tuesday, forward Terrence Jones went through a full practice for the first time since he was injured, and coach Kevin McHale said he could play on Wednesday.

''If he feels good we'll try to get him some time,'' McHale said.

Jones hasn't played since Nov. 3 because of nerve inflammation in his left leg. He can't wait to get back in the lineup.

''It took a while but it's finally becoming a reality and I get to get back to myself,'' Jones said. ''It's just going to be exciting.''

The 23-year-old Jones was Houston's starting power forward all last season when he averaged 12.1 points and 6.9 rebounds. He had a good start to the season, too, averaging 14 points and 7.5 rebounds in four games.

''He had a really strong training camp and at the start of the season he was playing very well, was confident, moving very well, stronger,'' McHale said. ''So right now it's getting a guy that can move right into your rotation, it's like making a trade. It's huge for our team.''

His teammates are looking forward to his return as well, with NBA leading-scorer James Harden raving about what he adds to the Rockets.

''It brings another dimension to the team,'' Harden said. ''His scoring ability. He's so versatile, especially defensively and we've missed him for most of the season.''

Jones is trying not to get too excited about playing until he knows for sure if he'll get to go on Wednesday, but he can't help but get a little pumped up about the possibility.

''I'm just happy to be back to the team and hopefully everything can go back to the way it was when I first started the season,'' he said.