Rockets' Howard out Wednesday vs. Warriors, hopes to play Saturday

Dwight Howard's absent streak has hit double-digits.

The Houston Rockets will be without their star center for the 10th consecutive game when they take on the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, according to head coach Kevin McHale. 

McHale said earlier in the week that Howard, who's been dealing with a knee strain, wouldn't be returning "any time soon." But just a day later, Howard took part in what was described as an intense workout, and a day after that he participated in a full team practice. 

The center remained optimistic, saying he's hopeful he'll be able to return for Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets. 

In the meantime, the Rockets have kept grinding out wins without him, plugging undrafted rookie Tarik Black in at center, operating the league's second-stingiest defense, and going 7-2 in Howard's absence. 

They'll meet their match Wednesday in the Warriors, the only team with a better defensive rating.