Dwight Howard Injury: Updates on Rockets Star's Back and Return

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard is dealing with a back injury that forced him to sit against the Utah Jazz on Jan. 7. However, he is ready to return.

Continue for updates.

---

Howard to Play vs. Pacers 

Sunday, Jan. 10

Calvin Watkins of ESPN passed along word of Howard's return against the  Indiana Pacers.

---

Howard Has Struggled with Injuries

Howard dealt with injuries throughout the 2014-15 season. In fact, he missed 41 games last year with a right knee injury and then suffered a sprained left knee in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors.

Injuries have plagued Howard in recent seasons, and the last time he played a full 82-game campaign was in 2009-10 with the Orlando Magic. Playing physically in the paint and protecting the rim for years have put some mileage on his body, and the Rockets have to be a bit discouraged by his nagging health issues.

At his best, Howard is one of the most talented players in the league. He is a double-double threat whenever he steps on the court, and he's averaged double-digit rebounding numbers every season of his career. Howard is also a dangerous rim-protector who makes Houston much more formidable on that end of the floor.

He is averaging 13.9 points per game to go with 11.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks.