Dwight Howard will not play in Thursday's preseason opener against the Grizzlies because of minor knee soreness, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Howard will not play in Thursday's preseason opener against the Grizzlies because of knee soreness, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis:

Howard apparently bumped a knee during practice and is still experiencing some swelling, so he'll sit out Thursday's exhibition outing. Additionally, coach Kevin McHale expects to give Howard "a couple days to try and get his knee right" moving forward. As a result, Howard will likely be considered a game-time decision for Monday's next preseason contest.