Dwight Howard’s Washington Wizards debut will continue to be put on hold. The center did not travel with the team for its west coast road trip that starts Monday at the Portland Trailblazers, according to Chris Miller of NBC Sports Washington.
Howard has been hampered by a buttocks injury. Initially, Wizards head coach Scott Brooks indicated that Howard, who missed the Wizards first two games of the season, would make the trip and needed more conditioning. He also said, Howard would get work on the days off.
With Howard not available for the Trailblazers, Ian Mahinmi will continue to start at center, however, he has played just 29 minutes total in two games due in large to him collecting eight fouls — four in each game.
It’s unclear if Howard will join Washington at any point of the west coast trip. Although, it’s safe to assume the chances aren’t great of him doing so.
Washington will face the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Clippers, and Memphis Grizzlies after Portland as part of a five-game, west coast road trip before returning home for a Nov. 2 game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Howard experienced a sore back just ahead of the start of training camp causing him to miss the entire camp. He blamed the issue on his travels to China for promotion of his shoe brand he endorses Peak. He then saw a doctor in New York, who diagnosed him with a sore piriformis and he received an injection to relieve pain.
He returned to practice last week, yet did not suit for the Wizards’ losses to Miami and Toronto to open the season. Expectations from Brooks were Howard would make his debut with the team during the west coast trip, but those plans have apparently changed.
