Howard practices, status unknown for opener; Meeks traded

Center Dwight Howard missed all of preseason while healing from a piriformis muscle injury, but Monday afternoon, he finally practiced with his teammates for the first time since joining the Washington Wizards. Even for a 15-year NBA veteran, the sensations of real basketball felt equally satisfying and strange. “That was the first time in a while. With anybody. So it’s kind of new,” Howard said. “It’s like, ‘ Damn! There’s nine other people on the floor!’ But it was fun. I’m just glad to be back out there on the court. Looking forward to playing in front of the fans here.” Howard reported “feeling good” after the workout — an encouraging development for the prospect of the 32-year-old center playing Thursday night in the Wizards’ regular-season opener against the Miami Heat. Neither Howard nor coach Scott Brooks would commit to a date for his debut, though. “Too early. Too early to tell, but he did practice today,” Brooks responded when asked whether Howard will start Thursday. TRADE: On Monday, the Wizards traded guard Jodie Meeks, a future second-round draft pick and cash to the Milwaukee Bucks for a future second-round pick. After the completion of the deal, Milwaukee is expected to waive Meeks, according to a league source. The trade not only provides salary cap relief for the Wizards, but will also end the awkward dance between the team and the 10-year veteran who is set to miss the first 19 games of the season. Meeks is awaiting word on an appeal for his prior suspension for allegedly using performanceenhancing drugs. ing to No. 13 in the STATS FCS Poll and No. 14 in the American Football Coaches Association poll. The Tigers have won four straight to stand at 5-1 overall, and are tied for first place in the Colonial Athletic Association at 3-0. MORE: Maryland will host Illinois on Oct. 27 in a game that will start at 3:30 p.m. and air on the Big Ten Network, the conference announced. ... Maryland Athletics will host Young Terps Day on Oct. 27 in conjunction with the game against Illinois. Events will include Halloween-themed activities such as face and pumpkin painting, as well as inflatables. Maryland student-athletes will also be in attendance for the event. For more information, go to umterps.com.