Updated

Rockets coach Kevin McHale says center Dwight Howard will be back in the starting lineup when Houston takes on the Charlotte Bobcats.

McHale said before Monday night's game that Howard "is a go," unless he experiences a setback during warm-ups.

Howard has missed the last three games — all Houston wins — with a strained left ankle. The Rockets (47-22) were on a three-game losing streak when Howard injured his ankle on March 16.

Howard is averaging 18.6 points and 12.4 rebounds per game this season.