Houston Rockets All-Star center Dwight Howard

Bob Levey/Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- Houston Rockets All-Star center Dwight Howard isn't concerned that his sore left ankle will be a factor headed into the playoffs. Howard received a second shot in his ankle that has kept him out five of the last seven games. "There was more fluid in there the next time I saw the doctor," Howard told the Houston Chronicle on Tuesday. "It was best I get the fluid out and just rest. I’m not worried." Howard's soreness in the ankle returned last Thursday against the 76ers. "The main thing is that I am able to run and be who I am without any concerns," Howard told the Chronicle. "For a while I (felt good) in both games, but after a while it started hurting again so I couldn’t do all the things I wanted to do. It (playing in those games) wasn’t smart." "There is no need for me to rush and re-injure myself. I tried (to rush) last week. It didn’t work out too well for me. I don’t think it’s smart. The biggest thing I can be concerned with is the playoffs," he continued. Howard is averaging 18.5 points per game and 12.3 rebounds. Copyright 2014 ABC News Radio