Mavericks' Howard rests ankle

DALLAS - Mavericks swingman Josh Howard sat out Monday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves to rest his chronic left ankle injury.

This was the 24th game he's missed this season because of the problem, which likely will require offseason surgery. He'd played six of the previous seven games, with Dallas going 5-1 with him in the lineup; the lone loss was Sunday in New Orleans.

Howard is averaging 18.1 points and 5.1 assists.

J.J. Barea started in his place.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)