Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan ready to face Houston’s Dwight Howard

DeAndre Jordan says he knows he will have his hands full when the Clippers host Dwight Howard and the Houston Rockets Monday night at Staples Center.

Howard, who played one season (2012-13) for the Lakers before joining the Rockets over the summer, has played well for Houston this season.

Howard is leading the NBA in rebounds at 17 per game, and is averaging 15 points per game.

“You’ve got to do your work early,” Jordan said. “You can’t let him just run down and just let him post where he wants to. You’ve got to push him off his spots and just try to get him into spots where he’s uncomfortable. “

Howard long had been considered the best center in the NBA, but back surgery slowed him down some when he played for the Lakers.

He looks healthier now, and that means Jordan will have to play his best against Howard.

“Anybody who is a post man who is a huge offensive threat, it’s definitely somebody I want to play against and just try to limit him to as few points as possible,” Jordan said. “It’s a challenge for me, but I look forward to it.”

ALSO:

Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan try to get going on line

Clippers Coach Doc Rivers says he likes Blake Griffin’s approach

Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan to face friend Dwight Howard of the Rockets

broderick.turner@latimes.com

Twitter: BA_Turner