DALLAS (AP) - Lamar Odom was in uniform Saturday night after he returned to the Dallas Mavericks without playing a planned game in the NBA Development League.
Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said Odom had been recalled and will play against the Utah Jazz in his first game since Feb. 20.
Odom had been set to play for the Texas Legends on Saturday night after missing four straight games for the Mavericks. He was assigned to the D-League team Friday.
Dallas has been without guard Delonte West (right finger fracture) for more than two weeks. Carlisle also said center Brandan Wright will miss Saturday’s game with a concussion.
“We’re struggling and could use the extra manpower,” Carlisle said.
After missing the Mavericks’ last game before the All-Star break against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, Odom has missed all three games since the break.
The Mavericks have said he was away for a family matter and personal reasons.
Dallas has lost four in a row, including a 97-92 setback Friday night against last-place New Orleans.
“It’s time for him to be back with his teammates and play,” Carlisle said.
Odom entered Saturday night’s game averaging 7.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in his first season with Dallas.
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