Dwight Howard won't play Friday vs. Bucks

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard won't suit up in Friday night's contest against the Milwaukee Bucks, the team announced.

Howard played just one minute in Wednesday night's loss to the Detroit Pistons before leaving the game with a sprained ankle.

He's already missed seven games this year due to injury, with the Rockets going 3-4 in his absence.

Howard's averaging 14.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, 1.6 blocks with a PER of 20.61. He's seen his scoring average dip the past few seasons, but is tied for the highest shooting percentage (.612) of his career.

The Rockets have followed their early January winning streak by losing three of their last four contests. They'll try to get back on track Friday at the Toyota Center, where they're 13-11 this season.