Jan. 30, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: A team trainer tends to Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (right) after suffering an injury in the second half against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Lakers 92-86. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard aggravated his torn right labrum on Wednesday night in a loss to the Phoenix Suns, but he is expected to return to action on Sunday when the Lakers face off against the Detroit Pistons.
Initially, Howard’s injury appeared to be very serious. Howard stated that it was the most pain he has felt since the injury initially occurred, but he must be feeling better because he is officially listed as a “game-time decision” for Sunday’s game.
Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times is the first to report that Howard is expected to play on Sunday. Per Bresnahan:
“He’s going to give it a go,” said a person familiar with the situation.
Howard missed the Lakers’ 111-100 victory Friday over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night so he could return home for a relatively non-invasive platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment in his right shoulder.
Howard aggravated a torn labrum in the shoulder Wednesday against Phoenix.
“I think he’s on a plane [to Detroit] in 10 minutes,” Coach Mike D’Antoni said after the Lakers finished practicing Saturday at about 3 p.m. Eastern time.
Howard has sat out four games and left two others because of his shoulder. He received a series of PRP injections that were meant to stimulate healing and growth in the shoulder area.
This season, Howard is averaging 16.5 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocked shots in 34.7 minutes per game.
