Heckling by Los Angeles Clippers fans may have led to the Mavericks' Drew Gooden allegedly making some insensitive comments during Saturday's game at Staples Center.

Gooden did not play in the game and was dressed in street clothes behind the bench. According to Outsports.com, a Web site devoted to gay issues in sports, Gooden directed a homophobic slur towards a pair of fans seated near the Mavericks' bench.

Gooden directed the slur at actor Chris Wylde, who is not gay and was attending the game with a friend, the Web site reported. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban would not comment, but according to the Web site, he told Wylde in an e-mail that the team would deal with Gooden internally.

Cuban also sent an e-mail to the Web site saying that some of the heckling was not as innocent as fans suggested, although he added that even so, it doesn't excuse homophobic commentary.

The NBA office has not gotten involved yet but typically investigates such matters.

Gooden missed the game with an injury near his right rib cage and did not practice Monday.

Injury update: X-rays were negative on Drew Gooden's right rib cage. He is listed as doubtful for tonight's game against Utah.

Gooden missed the Clippers game on Saturday after he was injured in the fourth quarter against the Lakers on Friday.

There was good news on the injury front Monday. Tim Thomas, who had knee surgery in late September, went through part of the live practice for the first time.

"It was the first short step," Thomas said. "It was fun to be out there mixing it up. The key now is to get my legs under me. At some point, it felt a little weak. But it's mind over matter from here. I just have to get back into basketball shape."

No timetable has been set for Thomas' return to game action.

Meanwhile, Josh Howard may be working harder than any Maverick. Inactive for five months after ankle surgery, Howard has been putting in overtime on agility, strength and conditioning drills, in addition to participating in some scrimmages.

Howard missed Monday's workout with a sinus infection, but his aggressive workouts of late indicate he's making good progress toward a return to game action. No timetable has been set.