As if going against the best team in the NBA wasn't enough of a challenge, the Houston Rockets announced that Dwight Howard was diagnosed with a left knee sprain and is listed as questionable for Game 2 of their Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors.

Midway through the first quarter of Game 1, teammate and longtime friend Josh Smith went for a rebound and fell awkwardly on Howard's knee. The former Defensive Player of the Year appeared to struggle with mobility the rest of the way, and had to sit out the last 11 minutes of the fourth quarter.

Today, I was in pretty good pain," he said. "I got the MRI. I've been icing and the rest of the things. I have the rest of today and we'll see come game time."

Howard finished with seven points and 13 rebounds in Game 1, and failed to score in the second half, wile taking just two shots. He played only 10 minutes in the letter half of the game.

"I would have to sit," Howard said if the pain persists on Thursday. "I have to listen to my body. The most important thing is that I listen to my body. Nobody can understand an injury but the person that is injured. It's going to be how I feel. If I feel I can tolerate it and go out and play with it, then I will. But my career is the most important thing, I want to do what I can to help this team, but I cannot help the team if I'm hurt."

Howard missed a substantial portion of the season with fluid buildup in his right knee. The Rockets went 29-12 when he was out with injury.

Game 2 of the Rockets vs. the Warriors is slated for Thursday at 9:00 pm ET. You can catch the action via live stream here.