Dwight Howard To Miss Friday's Game With Rolled Ankle

Dwight Howard will miss Friday's contest against the Milwaukee Bucks in Houston. The resurgent Rockets big man rolled his ankle in the opening minute of Wednesday's free throw affair with the Pistons.

Dwight Howard will be out for the Milwaukee game tomorrow night with an ankle sprain. #rockets

— Jenny Dial Creech (@jennydialcreech) January 21, 2016

Montrezl Harrell is also questionable after falling awkwardly on his shoulder.

There is not a long-term outlook for Howard, but news reports indicate Patrick Beverley will return for the Rockets on Friday night. Without Beverley the Rockets were at the whim of Clippers point guard Chris Paul and Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson.

Bickerstaff said Pat Beverley had a good practice on Thursday and could be back for Friday's game.

— Jenny Dial Creech (@jennydialcreech) January 21, 2016

Houston's defense collapsed without Howard and point guard Patrick Beverley in last night's loss. Even with the foul-a-thon the Houston defense surrendered 123 points to Detroit. Howard is averaging 17.2 points, 13.3 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1 steal per game in the month of January. The center is also shooting 62.7% from the free throw line this month, in your face, Andre Drummond.

Expect Houston to start Terrence Jones at power forward matched up against  the similarly sized Jabari Parker.

The Rockets need Howard continued contributions to make any ascent up the Western Conference standings. The boss hoss posted 36 points and 26 rebounds in his last full game.