Dwight Howard will play Friday against Denver but won't participate in Saturday's game against Dallas, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com reports.

Howard will play Friday against Denver but won't participate in Saturday's game against Dallas, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis:

The Rockets have their third back-to-back set of games this season, and once again, Howard will be participating in only one out of the two. Although he's been averaging 19.8 points, 14.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks over the last four games, the Rockets are taking a safe route and waiting until he is completely healthy until they have him play both games in a back-to-back set.