Dwight Howard’s first preseason with the Washington Wizards is apparently over before it started.
Howard needs an injection to alleviate pain in his back, and Washington coach Scott Brooks said that the eight-time All-Star has hopes of being back on the court by early next week.
If it takes that long, that means Howard won’t appear in any of Washington’s preseason games. And if he doesn’t play in the preseason, that would cast doubt on Howard being ready when Washington’s regular-season slate starts against Miami on Oct. 18.
“We’re going to take it day by day,” Brooks told reporters before Washington’s 110-98 preseason victory at New York on Monday night.
Howard, who turns 33 in December, has always been durable.
He missed a total of seven games in his first seven seasons, and played in 81 of 82 games with Charlotte last season. The one game he missed was while he was serving a suspension - and the Hornets wound up beating Memphis that night by 61 points anyway.
But the back problems have kept Howard from practicing or playing with the Wizards so far in training camp and the preseason.
For his career, Howard has averaged 17.4 points and 12.7 rebounds - averaging a double-double in each of his 14 seasons as well.
On Monday night, Bradley Beal led Washington with 20 points, and the Wizards finished with seven players in double figures against the Knicks.
It was a rough night for New York’s starting frontcourt. Kevin Knox, Lance Thomas and Noah Vonleh were a combined 3 for 18, finishing with a total of six points between them.
Jeff Green shot 7 for 10 and scored 16 points for the Wizards. John Wall finished with 14 points, nine assists and six rebounds in 27 minutes.
Tim Hardaway Jr. and Allonzo Trier each scored 18 for the Knicks, who lost for the first time in this preseason. … Enes Kanter was held out of the game.
Washington (2-1) visits Detroit on Wednesday. New York (3-1) hosts Brooklyn on Friday.
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