Tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET the Houston Rockets (9-2) will try to brush aside new controversy surrounding center Dwight Howard and focus on not getting clipped by the struggling Los Angeles Lakers (2-9) at the Toyota Center. Watch the game on ESPN or live stream the game free by clicking this link. Rockets fans can listen to the game on Sports Talk 790, while Lakers fans may find the radio broadcast on 710 ESPN.
This game's appeal will be fueled largely by controversy. Howard and Lakers guard Kobe Bryant caused a stir when they nearly came to blows in Los Angeles' opener after Howard elbowed Bryant following a rebound.
Bryant and Howard famously clashed as teammates for a season in Los Angeles, with Howard spurning the glamour of being the Lakers center, as well as an extra year and millions of dollars, to sign with James Harden and the Rockets.
That will take a backseat to recent allegations of child abuse by Howard, who reportedly admitted to hitting his son with a belt. Howard allegedly told police he found nothing wrong with hitting his son that way because that was how he was disciplined when he was young. The matter was settled last summer, but has apparently been re-opened.
Howard's attorney David Oscar Markus released a statement on the matter.
"[The child's mother] Royce Reed is now shopping her baseless allegations to authorities in Georgia after the Florida DCF case was closed. Even though the allegations have already been found to have no merit, when a complaint about the welfare of a child is made to law enforcement, an investigation is commenced. We are confident the Georgia authorities will reach the same conclusion as the Florida authorities. The truth is on our side," Markus wrote.
"It is appalling to see a mother use her son as a pawn against his father in attempt to extract money, which is what is happening in this case. While Royce Reed continues on her aimless quest with the media, Dwight Howard will continue to act in the best interest of his children and do whatever is necessary to protect them."
On the court Howard has appeared healthy, and is putting up the numbers to prove it. He's averaging 18.8 points and 11.3 rebounds as well as 2.3 blocks.
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