Dwight Howard is returning to action against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. Howard felt good after a practice session in Indiana and is in the starting lineup against Anthony Davis and company on Wednesday.
Dwight Howard returns from injury vs. Pelicans
The Rockets center is finally ready to return to action after a 26-game absence due to a knee injury.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Howard last played on Jan. 23 before having a procedure performed on his right knee. His initial timeline for recovery was six to eight weeks, which means he didn’t suffer any big setbacks and will come back right on schedule.
The Rockets have done a remarkable job masking Howard's absence, going 17-9 in the 26 games he missed with the knee problem, largely thanks to the play of James Harden. For the season, Houston is 25-13 without Howard, but having him available will only help them during the stretch run and will make them more dangerous in the postseason.
The 29-year-old center has not looked as dominant as in the past this season, posting the lowest scoring and rebounding numbers since his first three years in the league, but it’s possible the injuries had a lot to do with that. He says he’s feeling “more explosive,” which means he could regain his old form, especially on the offensive end, where he has struggled greatly as a post threat.
Howard is averaging 16 points, 11 rebounds and just under a block and a half on the year.
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