Dwight Howard (knee) starts for Rockets in Game 2 loss at Warriors

Dwight Howard started for the Houston Rockets in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals against the Golden State Warriors.

Center Dwight Howard started for the Houston Rockets Thursday night in a 99–98 Game 2 loss against the Golden State Warriors. He was listed as questionable heading into the game with a left knee sprain he suffered in Game 1. The Rockets announced he would be playing prior to tip-off. He went through a light pre-game workout with some jogging and a few shot attempts, according to SI.com's Ben Golliver.

Howard scored 19 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in a back-and-forth contest in Oracle Arena. Rockets' James Harden had a chance to win the game on the final possession, but couldn't get a shot off with eight seconds left.

The injury occurred on Tuesday when Josh Smith fell into his leg while attempted a shot. Howard grabbed 13 rebounds and scored seven points in 26 minutes in Game 1, but Golden State came from behind to win the game, 110–106. 

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Houston is already without center Donatas Motiejunas, who will miss the rest of the postseason with an injured back.

Howard, 29, is averaging 16.4 points and 13.8 rebounds this postseason for Houston.

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- Will Green