Dwight Howard out 6-8 weeks, has no structural damage in knee

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard said on Sunday that he will miss six to eight weeks with a right knee injury, though a MRI showed no signs of structural damage.

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howardsaid on Sunday that he will miss 6-8 weeks with a right knee injury, though a MRI showed no signs of structural damage.

On Wednesday, the Rockets announced Howard had a bone marrow aspirate injection into the knee and would begin rehab immediately. The team also said Howard would be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks.

Dwight Howard on bouncing back w/ help from shot in knee: "That's the most important thing, playing pain free.There's some things that(more)

— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) February 8, 2015

More Dwight Howard: "that were tolerable but 4me this season trying to play with it I just wasn't there.I could feel it every single night"

— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) February 8, 2015

Howard also told reporters that the most important thing for him was to get into game shape for the playoffs.

Howard, a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, last played on Jan. 23 against the Phoenix Suns. He left the game with a sprained right ankle and later reported swelling in his right knee. Howard was diagnosed with edema, or swelling due to an excess of fluids, and was initially ruled out for at least one month.

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In 32 games this season, Howard, 29, is averaging 16.3 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.

The Rockets (35-15) entered Sunday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers third in the West and 5.5 games behind the conference-leading Golden State Warriors.

- Mike Fiammetta