Dallas Mavericks backup center Brendan Haywood's status for Sunday's Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat is uncertain, coach Rick Carlisle on Friday told Galloway and Co., on 103.3 FM ESPN.

Carlisle said Haywood will likely be listed as day-to-day with a right hip flexor injury he sustained in the first minute of the fourth quarter in Game 2.

"We'll know more tomorrow. He was not feeling well when he left the game," Carlisle said. "If he's able to play I'm sure he'll play. If not we'll have to adjust."

Haywood had to intentionally foul so he could exit the game. He immediately headed for the trainer's room and did not return to the game.

Adjusting would mean getting third-stringer Ian Mahinmi ready to back up starter Tyson Chandler. The third-year center has made three brief appearances in one game of each of the first three playoff series.

Carlisle said if the 7-foot Haywood, who has been a solid defender and rebounder throughout the postseason, can't play on Sunday, it could force smaller lineups on the floor, something Carlisle has done at times throughout the season, when Chandler takes a breather.

"Whatever hand we're dealt we'll deal with and we'll embrace that challenge," Carlisle said. "Because there are going to be a lot of challenges in the next five days."