Howard returns from 26-game absence in win over Pelicans: 'I felt pretty good'

Dwight Howard didn't have a major impact in Wednesday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans - teammate James Harden once again took care of that. 

But for a Rockets team with championship aspirations, getting the eight-time All-Star back in the lineup for the first time since late January had to have been a welcome sight. 

Howard scored a season-low four points and grabbed seven rebounds in just 16 minutes of action after missing 26 games with a knee injury. He had fluid buildup in his right knee and received a bone marrow injection to help with the healing, slowly ramping up his rehab in recent weeks. 

The Rockets' center wasn't concerned about his numbers, stating that he was simply glad to be back on the court and has his eyes set on the grand prize - a deep playoff run.

"I felt pretty good," Howard told reporters after the game. "It seemed like as soon as I got out there it was time to sit down. I'm just happy to be back out there playing. My whole point was to do whatever I can to help this team win and play as hard as a I can for as long as I can.

"Sitting on the sidelines, wishing you could play is tough. I haven't had a season like this before in my career. It's kind of new for me to sit on the sidelines in a suit instead of in uniform on the floor. It makes you miss the game more."

The Rockets, powered by MVP frontrunner Harden, didn't miss a beat without Howard, going 18-8 during his absence. Howard's defense and low-post presence, though, will be key for the Rockets - who have a thin frontcourt - during the playoffs, when team's begin to operate in more half-court sets. 

Howard, who has missed a career-high 38 games, entered Wednesday averaging 16.3 points and a team-leading 11 rebounds.

Howard will likely remain on a minutes restrictions for the majority of the regular season. Houston has 11 games remaining, including Friday's contest versus the Minnesota Timberwolves.