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Washington Wizards: Dwight Howard could miss season opener

By Ben Vasconcellos

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 23: Dwight Howard #21 of the Washington Wizards speaks to the media during an introductory press conference at the Capital One Arena on July 23, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 23: Dwight Howard #21 of the Washington Wizards speaks to the media during an introductory press conference at the Capital One Arena on July 23, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Washington Wizards center Dwight Howard may miss the season opener against the Miami Heat.

The Washington Wizards host the Miami Heat next Thursday on October 18 for the season opener. Unfortunately for the Wizards, Dwight Howard’s status is in question.

Howard had another setback with his back injury. He saw a specialist in New York, but then was sent back to Washington to continue his rehab. He will be receiving an injection to lighten the pain. Scott Brooks shared the news regarding the latest on Howard’s injury.

For the Wizards, Howard was a great offseason addition to fill the void at center. Marcin Gortat was always a mediocre center at best and didn’t elevate the team in any fashion. Howard will bring a defensive presence that the Wizards have been trying to establish over the past few seasons.

Howard’s setback hasn’t allow him to benefit from practices and preseason. Usually, this is the time to develop chemistry with your teammates. Howard needed this badly, especially with fellow superstars John Wall and Bradley Beal. It would have set the tone the right way to start off the regular season.

This isn’t new for Howard. He’s had a history of back issues, but has been able to fight through the pain the past couple of seasons. He only missed one game with the Charlotte Hornets last year, which has shown progression with his health. Hopefully he will be able to not have any further setbacks throughout the regular season.

Despite all this, Ian Mahinmi has been playing well in preseason and should be able to fill the void just fine. With Mahinmi having solid production, the Wizards should take their time with Howard and not rush him back. These types of injuries can be nagging and Washington needs him for their push at the end of the season heading into the playoffs.

More. Washington Wizards: 3 takeaways from preseason win over Knicks. light

It’s trending downward that Howard will play in the season opener, but that’s alright. Better safe than sorry at this point. The Wizards roster is deep enough to be able to sustain the loss for the time being.

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