Report: Howard planning on making Wizards debut Friday

Washington Wizards center Dwight Howard is planning on making his season debut Friday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Howard's missed Washington's first seven games of the season while recovering from an injury to a muscle in his buttocks.

The Wizards are currently tied for last in the East after a 107-95 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday pushed them to 1-6. They've been forced to use Ian Mahinmi and Jason Smith at center during Howard's absence.

Prior to joining the Wizards on a two-year, $11-million deal, Howard was dealt by the Charlotte Hornets to the Brooklyn Nets, where he was swiftly waived.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year is still capable of providing an effective interior presence, and he's averaged a double-double in all 14 seasons of his career.