Dwight Howard Injury Update: Rockets Star Expects to Miss 6-8 Weeks

The Houston Rockets now have a somewhat more definitive timetable for Dwight Howard's return following a bone marrow aspirate injection in his right knee.    

According to Mark Berman of Fox 26 in Houston, "Dwight Howard says he expects to be out six to eight weeks. Dr. Walt Lowe says that's a reasonable estimate but he could be back before."

However, Lowe, who performed the injection, said his return could be as soon as four weeks from now and called the timetable "very fluid at this point," per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.

Howard mentioned that his biggest focus is ensuring he'll be 100 percent for the postseason:

He added that he has played through pain for much of the season, per Jenny Dial Creech of the Houston Chronicle:

Howard hasn't appeared for Houston since a Jan. 23 win over the Phoenix Suns. The Rockets first revealed that he had sprained his ankle in the victory. Then, upon further examination, doctors found fluid buildup in his knee.

Since he's been out, Houston has gone 5-1 and sits third in the Western Conference, 5.5 games back of the Golden State Warriors for the top seed.  

Although the Rockets have proved they're a good team without Howard, there's no question they'll need him healthy for the playoffs. Their chances of winning a title would almost evaporate completely if he's out or off his game when it counts the most.

Having him rest now appears to be the most prudent decision for everyone.