Mavs’ Daniels sidelined with ankle injury

Daniels has been bothered by pain in his left ankle since suffering a major sprain in August. He’s played through the pain most of the season and is averaging 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 27 games (14 starts).

Mavericks coach Don Nelson told the Dallas Morning News that Daniels is "going to stay away from the court until he starts feeling a little better."

Daniels spent time last season as the backup to Steve Nash, before moving into the starting backcourt with Nash in March as well as in the playoffs. The undrafted Auburn product made a name for himself by averaging 15.8 points per contest in the postseason.

Last season, Daniels appeared in 56 games with 15 starts and averaged 8.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He was named to the NBA’s All-Rookie Second Team.