Dwight Howard: Expected to play Wednesday

Howard (ankle) is expected to play Wednesday against the Spurs.

Analysis:

Howard has been battling an ankle sprain, which he initially suffered last week against the Pistons, and he's missed each of the last three contests, all Rockets wins. With the Spurs on tap Wednesday, Howard is expected to return to the starting lineup and see his usual total of minutes, though final confirmation may not come until close to game time. Excluding his one-minute cameo last week against the Pistons, Howard is averaging 19.4 points, 14.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.1 steals over 37.5 minutes in eight January appearances.