Mavericks' Brendan Haywood To Miss At Least Next Four Games

Brendan Haywood is still expected to miss at least the next four games for the Dallas Mavericks, as he recovers from a right knee sprain that he suffered in Thursday's 101-96 win over the Charlotte Bobcats. Haywood did not play at all against the Spurs in Dallas' 106-99 win on Saturday night.

Rick Carlisle says the injury isn't considered to be serious, but that the Mavericks "have to take care of it."

Haywood also missed the better part of five games earlier this month due to an ankle sprain. Haywood suffered his right knee sprain in only his second game back from his ankle injury.

The seven foot tall center is averaging 5.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game on the season.

Dallas' next four games all come this week, as they take on the Nuggets, Lakers, Spurs and Rockets as they look to climb the standings in the Western Conference.

For more on the Mavericks, be sure to check out Mavs Moneyball.

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.