A big man with a bad back isn’t a good mix.
Dwight Howard has had back issues for years, so this will be something to watch going forward.
The odds of injured center Dwight Howard appearing in a preseason game and being ready to play in the Washington Wizards’ Oct. 18 season opener are growing slimmer.
Howard returned to Washington on Monday to receive a pain-relief injection for his lower back, according to Coach Scott Brooks. The setback began Saturday when Howard participated in a light workout with coaches. Although Howard did not take contact in the workout, he woke up Sunday feeling soreness.
After traveling with the team to New York, the pain continued. Howard saw a specialist Monday afternoon and the team decided to send him back to Washington, Brooks said. Howard will remain in the District to rest following the procedure while his teammates continue a two-game trip to Detroit.
Howard is going to get a pain-killing shot, but that is only a quick fix.
The Wizards were counting on Dwight, but that might have been their first mistake.