Dwight Howard feeling better but dealing with a new back issue

Dwight Howard has thus far only played 23 minutes (at Memphis on 10/6) in the Rockets' preseason, but it sounds like there's still a chance he could suit up for the finale against the Spurs on Friday.

Dwight Howard still out of the Rockets practice today. Has not practiced since Oct. 5. Listed as day-to-day with stiff back.

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) October 20, 2015

McHale hopes Howard can return to contact in next two or three days.

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) October 20, 2015

Howard increased his workload today. Still on the side. .

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) October 20, 2015

But a small caveat in this progress comes in the form of a new back issue:

Howard has a different back issue than earlier this month but feels much better.

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) October 20, 2015

At least Dwight's arrow is pointing up, but the fact that there's now a different problem with his back is something worth monitoring as the season approaches.