Status updates: Dwight Howard will undergo surgery to repair a herniated disk in his lower back. His season is over and his ability to participate in the Olympics is very much in doubt. He's expected to need three-to-four months to recover .. Derrick Rose was still limping as of Thursday and looks doubtful for Saturday .. Kobe Bryant (shin) will play on Friday .. Rick Adelman says there is a good chance that both Kevin Love and Luke Ridnour will play in the T-Wolves' final two games (Sun GSW, Thu DEN). Adelman says he'll be particularly cautious with Love if he is cleared to play .. Amar'e Stoudemire will play and start on Friday. Landry Fields will be moved to the bench .. Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo are definitely out Friday, and Doc Rivers said he'll likely rest Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, as well .. Cavs on Friday: Kyrie Irving will start and see a few more minutes, Alonzo Gee is 50-50 to play, and a decision on Anderson Varejao's season is expected soon .. Nicolas Batum (quad) could be shut down, but nothing definite has been determined as of yet .. Darren Collison (groin) is still limited enough that the Pacers aren't even sure he'll be ready by the time the playoffs start. George Hill's play [game log] has earned him the starting role moving forward in any case .. Jose Calderon (eye) will only play in the season's final three games if foul trouble or injuries force him into action .. Lester Hudson has signed with the Grizzlies, but he'll battle for scraps of playing time with Gilbert Arenas and Jeremy Pargo.
• Rest-of-season schedule grid, with ease rankings courtesy of Basketball Monster:
