Dwight Howard Injury Update: Rockets Star Will Start vs. Pelicans

Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale announced Wednesday that All-Star center Dwight Howard will return to the starting lineup for the team's Wednesday night game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Rockets' official Twitter account reported the news, adding that Howard would play limited minutes. Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle heard from Howard himself that he'd see approximately 16 minutes of action.  

He ended up playing exactly 16 minutes, putting up four points, seven rebounds, two assists and one block in the Rockets' 95-93 win. 

As talented as Howard is, his presence hasn't been too sorely missed. Houston is still standing strong in the West, currently boasting the third-best record in the conference. The team went 17-9 without Howard, per VegasInsider.com, as he sat out with a right knee injury.

An MVP-caliber season from dynamic guard James Harden has helped the Rockets along. They've learned to win with regularity despite not having their second-best player on the court.

The Rockets big man will have to prove he's fit and ready to contribute down the stretch, though, because his return risks disrupting the chemistry Houston has established.