The Houston Rockets have been playing without Dwight Howard for over a month, but the team has been able to stay near the top of the west playoff race and now Howard is getting close to a return and it could happen before the end of March.
The Rockets have gone 15-8 without Howard in the lineup and that came after Howard underwent knee surgery in February to reduce swelling in his knee. According to ESPN.com, Howard has been able to practice with the Rockets and he said that he will be cautious when he comes back for the team. Howard said that he will play around 25 minutes per game when he comes back and also said he won't play in back to back games.
The Rockets have three more back to backs on the schedule and that means Howard will have to be managed for those games. Howard practiced for the first time since having the surgery and ESPN reports that he could be out for 10 to 14 more days while recovering from surgery. The Rockets have played well in his absence, but for any chance at making a run in the west this season, they need Howard back and healthy.
Howard has missed 34 games overall this season and he is averaging a double-double once again with 16 points and 11 rebounds per game. James Harden has put up MVP like numbers this season and he has stepped up with Howard on the mend. Harden is averaging 26 points per game this season and he is putting up LeBron like numbers for the team and he has been the reason why they have been able to stay in the top part of the west.
The Rockets are second in the southwest division this season and they are averaging 103 points per game. The team is ranked 15th in rebounds per game this season and once Howard comes back they likely will be moving up and his health will be key for the Rockets moving forward.
This offseason the team could be active in free agency and names like Rajon Rondo and Goran Dragic have been mentioned as possible options by Marc Stein at ESPN. Dragic previously played for the Rockets, but it's likely that he stays in Miami after getting traded to the Heat. Rondo has long been a target for GM Daryl Morey and the team could chase him after missing out on acquiring him at the trade deadline this year.
