Dwight Howard Injury: Updates on Rockets Star's Knee and Return
Dwight Howard is dealing with a a strain to his right knee. He played against the Denver Nuggets on Dec. 13, and is expected to suit up against Denver once again on Wednesday.
Continue for updates.
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Howard to Play vs. Nuggets
The Houston Rockets confirmed Dwight Howard's status for tonight's game against Denver:
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Dwight Howard Questionable vs. Nuggets
The Houston Rockets provide an update on Howard's status against the Nuggets:
Saturday, Dec. 13
Howard Probable vs. Nuggets
Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle has an update on Howard's status:
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Howard Out vs. Warriors, Hopes for Saturday Return
Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports provided an update on Howard:
Sunday, Dec. 7
Howard Won't Return "Any Time Soon"
Kevin McHale updated Dwight Howard's status as he tries to return from a knee injury, via Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle:
"The Rockets’ hope that Dwight Howard could be close to returning from his strained right knee seemed to be fading.
While discussing Pat Beverley’s return from a strained left hamstring, Rockets coach Kevin McHale said 'It would be nice to get everybody else back, but that won’t be happening any time soon.'
"
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Howard Likely Out Through the Weekend
Mark Berman of FOX 26 has the latest on Howard:
Wednesday, Nov. 26
Howard Out vs. Kings
Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee provides an update on Dwight Howard's status for Wednesday:
Monday, Nov. 24
Howard Out vs. Knicks
Jonathan Feigen of the the Houston Chronicle confirmed that Dwight Howard will not play on Monday vs. New York:
Saturday, Nov. 22
Howard Will Not Play vs. Dallas
Kevin McHale confirmed that Dwight Howard will miss Saturday's game vs. Dallas, via Tim McMahon of ESPN:
Wednesday, Nov. 19
Howard Ruled Out vs. Lakers
Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard will not play in Wednesday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a strain in his right knee:
Jonathan Feigen of the the Houston Chronicle had the news:
Houston's Twitter account provided tonight's starting lineup without Howard:
Howard has been a rare breed among centers in the NBA. He's a true post player who can dominate down low by scoring and rebounding. He's also been an excellent shot-blocker throughout his career, averaging 2.2 rejections per game over his first 10 seasons.
He's had some nagging injuries but has appeared in at least 71 games in nine of his 10 seasons (the exception being the lockout-shortened 2011-12 campaign, in which he played 54 of 66 games). Despite all of that success, it's hard for fans and analysts to resist taking shots at him.
The 28-year-old Howard has been the target of heavy criticism dating back to his final season in Orlando, but there's no denying how valuable Howard is as a player. Last year, for instance, he finished third in points, rebounds and field-goal percentage, tied for third in double-doubles and fourth in blocks per game among centers.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports profiled Howard before the preseason started. Injuries and toughness were part of the article, with the big man noting that he didn't regret playing through a torn labrum with the Lakers two years ago:
"The good thing about it, I didn't develop any other major injuries. The torn labrum eventually healed itself. But coming back early from the back, I believed it helped me out in the long run. It made me really develop a thicker skin, going through all the things that I went through because of the injury.
I was always taught never to show pain, never to show weakness, never to show fear. Always put a smile on your face. But I'm glad it did happen. It made me a better person. The world coming down on you, saying you weren't playing as hard as you could.
"
Howard and the Rockets had a successful first season together. He averaged 18.3 points and 12.2 rebounds per game en route to a 54-28 record before losing to Portland in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs.
While all those regular-season numbers and accolades are great, Howard is ultimately going to be judged by what happens in the playoffs. His health is a critical factor for the Rockets to make a run in a loaded Western Conference.
James Harden is the focal point of Houston's offense, but Howard is the straw that stirs the drink because of his ability to play defense and get those tough points in the paint. His absence for any length of time is enough to cause major panic in Houston.
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