Team sources have confirmed that Juwan Howard will not return to the Rockets' line-up this season due to a viral infection in his heart. The infection will not allow him to play for four to six months.
Howard was unavailable for comment, nor was his agent, David Falk. Rockets officials could not comment, citing privacy laws.
Howard had been battling flu-like symptoms since March 11 and left the Rockets' game March 22 against the Heat. Early March 25, he developed symptoms of viral myocarditis, an inflammation of the muscular walls of the heart. His symptoms included heart palpitations, mild chest pains and fever, and he was taken to the hospital.