Brendan Haywood Injury: Mavericks Center Suffers Knee Sprain Against Bobcats

Brendan Haywood left during the second half of Thursday's game against the Charlotte Bobcats with what the team is calling a mild right knee sprain. Haywood went to the locker room and did not return.

Officially, it's a right knee sprain for Brendan Haywood and he will NOT return tonight.

— Earl K. Sneed (@EKS_MavsNBA) March 16, 2012

Haywood was playing in just his second game back from an ankle injury that he suffered on March 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He missed four games with the ankle before returning for Tuesday's win over the Washington Wizards.

Haywood is averaging 5.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game this season. Haywood had six points, eight rebounds and two blocks in 15 minutes of action against the Bobcats.

For more on Brendan Haywood and the Dallas Mavericks be sure to check out Mavs Moneyball. For more news and analysis from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Mavericks Vs. Bobcats Final Score: Dallas Holds On For 101-96 Win

The Dallas Mavericks struggled at times but held on for a 101-96 win over the Charlotte Bobcats. After trailing 54-48 at halftime, the Mavericks outscored the Bobcats 26-14 in the third quarter. Charlotte made things interesting at the end after the Mavericks put things on cruise control just a little early.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 27 points and Jason Terry chipped in 18 off the bench to lead the Mavericks. Rodrigue Beaubois added 14 points and Vince Carter finished with 11.

Corey Maggette scored 21 points on 5-15 shooting to lead the Bobcats. Tyrus Thomas added 14 points while Kemba Walker, D.J. Augustin and Gerald Henderson finished with 12 points each.

Dallas improves 25-20 on the season and 17-7 at home. Charlotte falls to 6-36 and are just 3-21 on the road this season.

For the latest news and notes on Mavericks, head to Mavs Moneyball while Rufus On Fire has you covered for all the pregame angles from Charlotte. For more news and analysis from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Mavericks Vs. Bobcats Score: Dallas Trailing Charlotte 54-48 At Halftime

The Dallas Mavericks' struggles continue as they trail the Charlotte Bobcats 54-48 at halftime after a big second quarter by the visiting team. The Bobcats outscored the Mavericks 31-25 in the second quarter behind a strong start by rookie Kemba Walker.

Dirk Nowitzki leads the Mavericks with 13 points on 5-11 shooting. Jason Terry added added 11 points. Dallas hit 47 percent of its shots in the first half but turned the ball over seven times leading to 16 points for Charlotte.

Kemba Walker leads the Bobcats with 10 points and three assists off the bench. D.J. Augustin and Tyrus Thomas scored eight points each. Charlotte hit 51 percent of its attempts in the first half including 6-10 attempts from three-point range.

For the latest news and notes on Mavericks, head to Mavs Moneyball while Rufus On Fire has you covered for all the pregame angles from Charlotte. For more news and analysis from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

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