"The Washington Wizards have found little encouraging news through their four-game losing streak, but swingman Josh Howard continues to make progress with his left knee rehabilitation. Howard practiced on Sunday in full for the first time - without exhaustion or the need for substitution - as he nears his season debut later this month.

Howard has moved fluidly on his surgically repaired left knee since being cleared for five-on-five drills last month, but said he needs a few more practices under his belt before declaring himself ready.

"It's getting close," said Howard, 30, the oldest player on the Wizards' roster. "Staying in practice, not taking any subs, fighting through fatigue, that will be the first thing. Because getting used to that new tendon, it's a big thing. If I can fight through that, I know I'm going to be ready."

Howard has been targeting a return against Charlotte on Dec. 20 or Chicago on Dec. 22 - which would be exactly eight months since he tore his anterior cruciate ligament against the Bulls. But he hasn't ruled out coming back sooner.

Howard said his toughest challenge in practice has been getting his shots to fall."