Dwight Howard could be out for an ‘extended time’

By Cory Buck | Jan 30, 2015

Dec 20, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Toyota Center. The Hawks defeated the Rockets 104-97. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard could reportedly miss extended time, which will likely at least keep him out of the All-Star Game.

The Houston Rockets may have to play a long stretch without their starting center. Dwight Howard is seeking a second opinion on the swelling in his knee, which could spell a long absence from basketball. He’s expected to be ruled out for the NBA All-Star game. Beyond that, it’s anyone’s guess when he might return, per Yahoo Sports.

Sources: Dwight Howard will get second opinion on his knee, could miss extended time. Likely eliminates Howard as All-Star sub for Kobe.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 30, 2015

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A build-up of fluid in Howard’s right knee has team doctors concerned enough to seek outside opinion, which merely compounds the hulking center’s injury woes. Howard had already missed the team’s last two games with an ankle sprain, and now he stands to miss the majority of February or even beyond with another ailment in his legs.

The Rockets can hardly afford to lose Howard for an extended period of time as they sit squarely in the middle of the Western Conference playoff race. They’ll aim to finish at least in the top four and earn home court advantage in the first round. The franchise is hoping to get its first playoff series win since 2009. That trip to the conference semi-finals had been the team’s first since 1997.

If Houston is going to tread new ground though, they need their defensive pillar, Howard, to be at full health. It’s a tall order for a big man to stay healthy when he has as many miles on his knees as does Dwight Howard, which is why now is a good time for Houston to sit Howard in favor of a full examination of what could be ailing him. The team can afford to take some time in February and maybe even March to sort this out so that they’re fully prepared in April and May and perhaps beyond.

If the Rockets do end up waiting until after the All-Star Game to re-consider Dwight Howard’s health, that would push them past mid-February on the timeline, which gives them a handful of games to win and keep pace with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers without Howard.

After the nine-day vacation, the team may have a chance of seeing their star center return, but that prognosis will depend on the outside opinion currently being consulted by Howard.

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