Howard to miss Houston Rockets' game against Utah Jazz with ankle strain

HOUSTON – Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard is out against the Utah Jazz with a mild left ankle strain.

This will be the first game Howard has missed. He is the only Rockets player to start all 66 games this season.

Howard, in his first season in Houston, is averaging 18.6 points and his 12.4 rebounds are fourth in the NBA.

Omer Asik will start in his place Monday night as the Rockets try to end a three-game skid.