Dwight Howard has been on a minutes restriction since returning from resting his knee.

“It’s tough playing three, four-minute stretches and then coming out of the game,” Howard said. “There are points where I feel like I am just about to get going, then coach says ‘you’re on a minutes restriction and have to come out,’ so it is tough.”

Howard has been comfortable in his time on the floor.

“I need to be able to play more minutes,” Howard said. “I think the more games I play, the more they will change that restriction. Tonight was 20. Hopefully the next game I can go 28 and go from there.

“It’s really on me at this point. It’s about how I feel and how I am playing. I just want to be patient and sure I am ready to go for a long playoff run.”