Teammates adjusting to Howard’s prolonged absence

DETROIT — Within their circle of trust, Washington Wizards’ players know new center Dwight Howard had to leave the team during its two-game road trip to return home for a pain-relieving injection for his ongoing back issue.

They’re fully aware that Howard — who came here to be the most athletic and accomplished big man of this Wizards era — has not run a single play with his teammates, not even in pickup games, since he signed with Washington in July.

What’s unknown is the impact Howard’s injury and prolonged absence will have on the start of the regular season, which gets underway next week.

Center Ian Mahinmi has stepped into the starting lineup in place of Howard during the preseason, and if Howard remains on the sideline, Mahinmi would conceivably continue in that role whenthe real schedule tips off Oct. 18. But even Mahinmi remains in the dark about Howard’s return.

“Honestly, I don’t know what the [status] Preseason Tonight, 8 p.m. TV: NBCSWA is on Dwight. I don’t know [the answer to] ‘When is he going to come back?’ ” Mahinmi said of The Question of the preseason.

“I’m preparing myself to start,” Mahinmi said. “If he’s back, I’ve got to come off the bench. No big deal. I’ll come off the bench.”

Though the Wizards are not predicting Howard’s status, they’ve adjusted for an immediate future without him.

After two weeks of practices and exhibition games, Mahinmi feels as connected as he’s ever been to the usual starters. The occasional mistimed pass may pop up — chemistry takes a while — but Mahinmi can already see the defensive bond forming within the starting five and he feels comfortable in his role as chief rim protector.