Dwight Howard could be back in the Houston Rockets’ lineup by the end of the week, and Indiana Pacers forward Paul George might not be far behind.
Howard is doubtful for Monday’s game but that represents an upgrade in his status. Howard was out for the past 25 games, a stretch in which MVP candidate James Harden and Houston went 16-9.
Howard is practicing and knee soreness that limited him early in the season and resurfaced in January has subsided. He called the change in status on the injury report a big step.
“I haven’t circled a day, but hopefully the next couple games I’ll be back,” Howard said. Rockets coach Kevin McHale said before Monday’s shootaround that he will not discuss Howard until he gets back on the court with his teammates.
George is cleared with no physical limitations from a medical perspective, according to general manager and vice president Larry Bird of the Pacers, but a timetable for his return to game action is not as clear.
George hasn’t played since the horrific leg injury suffered during a July scrimmage with Team USA in Las Vegas. He has been practicing with the Pacers for a few weeks, but will determine the exact timing of his first game. There is no guarantee that comes this season, but George said he does expect to play soon.