What It Means:

After missing exactly half of last year's season, Howard has looked revitalized and healthy this year. Despite being cleared for back-to-backs, Howard noted it's likely he will be limited to a 20-to-25 minute range during the first back-to-back set, which is on Sunday versus the New York Knicks, followed by a game on Monday versus the Detroit Pistons. Clint Capela should receive less playing time with this news.

Howard has posted a 1.8 nERD in 9 games this season, which ranks 64th. He's averaging 13.8 points, 13.6 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.9 assists per game. We project him to average 15.3 points, 11 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.3 assists over per game over the remaining course of the season.