Rockets' Howard out with sprained ankle against Mavericks

HOUSTON (AP) Houston center Dwight Howard is out for the second straight game on Wednesday night against Dallas with a sprained right ankle.

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.

Joey Dorsey started in his place.

Also on Wednesday, coach Kevin McHale said that power forward Terrence Jones would play against the Mavericks. He hasn't played since Nov. 3 because of nerve inflammation in his left leg. McHale says Jones will likely play about 20 minutes as he eases back into the lineup.