Superstar center Dwight Howard returned to the Houston Rockets in a winning game against the New Orleans Pelicans (97-95) after an absence that extended to 26 games.

The last game Howard played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) prior to this return against the Pelicans was on January 23. Afterwards, he had to sit out due to a swelling in his right knee.

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The team initially commented that they would be taking a cautious approach to Howard's return.

Upon returning to the team, he immediately took his place on the starting lineup. While newly back, Howard played 17 minutes throughout the whole game though.

The 29-year-olds' 17 minutes were a prescribed time limit from the medical handlers and team. On the floor, Howard was able to earn four points, seven rebounds, and one blocked shot on a layup attempt from Pelicans big man, Anthony Davis.

He was taken out for most the middle part of the game. However, he returned to play in the dying minutes of the game as the Pelicans were trying to eke by with some free throws.

"I felt pretty good, it seemed as soon as I got out there it was time to sit back down," Howard said. "It was kinda of an adjustment period for me, I just have to get back out there playing. The main thing for me is really helping the team on the defensive end, the other stuff will come."

The first points for Howard was a dunk off an assist from teammate James Harden.

As the game began though, signs of rust began to show, especially when there was no communication between Howard, Jason Terry, and Pablo Prigioni during pick-and-roll plays.

Howard found his stride as the game went on though, as he made an alley-oop dunk from Prigioni.

The Rockets will not use Howard in back-to-back games and will continue to monitor his health. 

TagsDwight Howard, New Orleans Pelicans