NBA roundup: Dwight Howard to have back surgery to repair disk

Dwight Howard's season is over. His chances to help Team USA win another Olympic gold are likely done, too.

Orlando's All-Star center told ESPN.com he will have season-ending back surgery.

Today's operation in Los Angeles to repair a herniated disk also will keep him from playing in the Olympics in London, Howard's agent, Dan Fegan, told ESPN.com.

"I tried to play through it, and it just made my back worse," Howard told ESPN.com

Howard has been dealing with back problems since early March, but it wasn't until last week that a doctor discovered the herniated disk.

"He said I can start rehab right away and be back to full contact in four months," Howard told ESPN.com. "So I'm not really concerned. If anything, I'll come back stronger."

Indiana 118, Milwaukee 109: Danny Granger scored 29 points to help the host Pacers clinch home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. George Hill had 22 points and eight assists, and David West added 21 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists for the Pacers, who won their seventh straight and 11th of 12. The Pacers have scored at least 100 points in 12 of their past 13 games.

New Orleans 105, Houston 99 (OT): Eric Gordon scored 27 points, Carl Landry had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and the host Hornets dealt a blow to Houston's playoff hopes. The Rockets dropped one game behind Utah for the final spot.

Miami 83, Chicago 72: LeBron James scored 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the host Heat. The teams combined for four technicals, two flagrant fouls, and Miami reserve James Jones was ejected.

Notebook: Bobcats forward Eduardo Najera says he wants to continue playing in the NBA despite a fractured frontal bone that required reconstructive surgery and left him with a mesh screen and 12 screws in his forehead. Najera, 35, says doctors told him he was fortunate to escape brain damage after taking an elbow to the head from Milwaukee's Jon Brockman that left his forehead indented on April 6. Najera, who is out for the remainder of this season, can begin exercising in about four weeks and play next season.