Rockets' Howard probable Monday vs. Trail Blazers

An ailing shoulder is unlikely to keep Dwight Howard off the court this week. 

The Houston Rockets' center has been battling through a right shoulder strain in recent games, but is probable for Monday's contest against the Portland Trail Blazers, according to Jenny Dial Creech of the Houston Chronicle. 

Howard played in Saturday's 104-97 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, putting up 19 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. 

Houston will need Howard in top form against the red-hot Trail Blazers. Portland has won five consecutive contests and is holding opponents to 96.3 points per game, tied for the second-best mark in the NBA.

Howard has struggled to stay healthy, missing time earlier in the season with a knee injury. But he's continued to put up big numbers when on the court, averaging 19.6 points on 57.5 percent shooting, while hauling in 11.9 rebounds and blocking 2.4 shots per game.