There have been rumors circulating that Dwight Howard did not want to play for Orlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy anymore and that he was planning on sitting out because of that, healthy or not. It turns out that those rumors were 'completely made up', at least according to a representative for Howard. He wants to play very much, even though he has a herniated disc in his back that's making it hard for him to do so. According to Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld, he's going to attempt to come back for the playoffs.
Dwight Howard will try to return for the playoffs, according to sources close to the situation. He wants to play, but he's in a lot of pain.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) April 19, 2012
Without Howard in the lineup, the Magic have struggled. They're 4-6 in their last ten games, and they lost five straight at one point between late March and early April. Without Howard in the lineup, the Magic won't be expected to do anything in the playoffs.
For more on the Howard Injury, check out this StoryStream. For more on the Magic, check out Orlando Pinstriped Post.