Pietrus to miss significant time with broken wrist; Magic cruise past Bulls

The Magic got some bad news on Tuesday when an MRI revealed that Mickael Pietrus has a fracture in his wrist from the Pistons game Monday.

The Magic (25-7) needed to bounce back against Chicago (14-18) after a lackluster offensive performance against Detroit, and the Magic did just that as they led from start to finish, and had seven players finish in double figures. The Magic had a big 33-17 lead after one, and an even larger 27 point lead 65-38 at the half. The lead then swelled to as much as 33 points, 73-40, in the third quarter, and the Bulls could get no closer than the final of 113-94 after scoring the final eight points of the game.

Magic leading scorers

Rashard Lewis: 21 points (8 of 17 field goals), 7 rebounds
Hedo Turkoglu: 18 points (7 of 16 field goals), 9 rebounds
Dwight Howard: 15 points (5 of 7 field goals), 14 rebounds, 2 blocks
Marcin Gortat (bench): 14 points (6 of 9 field goals), 7 rebounds, 2 blocks

Chicago leading scorers

Joakim Noah: 19 points, 11 rebounds
Ben Gordon: 18 points

Overall Game Statistics

FG%: ORL 49.4% (43 of 87) CHI 42.0% (34 of 81)
3 PT FG%: CHI 40% (6 of 15) ORL 36.7% (11 of 30)
FT%: CHI 83.3% (20 of 24) ORL 76.2% (16 of 21)
REB: ORL 48 (14 offensive) CHI 38 (7 offensive)
AST/TO: ORL 24/12 CHI 19/14
BENCH: CHI 50 ORL 45

Other game notes and stats:

-The Magic starting frontline outscored the Bulls' starting frontline 54-15 and outrebounded them 30-15
-Lewis and Turkoglu combined for 39 points, 16 rebounds, 8 assists
-Three players scored in double figures off the Magic bench; in addition to Gortat, Courtney Lee scored 11 points and Anthony Johnson 10 points
-Only Adonal Foyle did not see any playing time
-The Bulls' reserves scored more points, 50, than the Bulls' starters, who combined for 44 points
-With his 1 for 7 performance from the field, Keith Bogans is now 11 for 45 in his last eight games for 30 points (3.8 ppg), including 5 for 29 on threes
-Jameer Nelson had five assists to lead the Magic
-The Bulls' number one pick, Derrick Rose, scored 11 points but did not have an assist
-Rose and Gordon combined to score 29 points, but shot just 11 of 30 from the field

The Magic conclude a very successful month of December at 12-3, and 25-7 overall, and will host Dwyane Wade and the Heat Friday.

For the complete box score, click here

Magic take on Bulls in New Year's Eve matinee

The Magic (24-7) look to start another winning streak as they play the Bulls (14-17) at the United Center, just like in 2007 in an afternoon game in Chicago on New Year's Eve. Hopefully, the result will be the same... a Magic win.

The Bulls are not a good defensive team, and allowed 129 points to Atlanta last Saturday; however, the Bulls are coming off a 100-87 win at New Jersey Monday. The Magic should have a much better offensive game against the Bulls.

The Magic are 6 1/2 point favorites.

For a complete game preview from Yahoo! Sports, click here

Pistons end Magic winning streak at seven

The Pistons (18-11) had five players in double figures, outshot the Magic from the field, the free throw line, outrebounded the Magic, and had the better assist/turnover ratio as the Magic (24-7) saw their seven game winning streak come to an end 88-82.

The Magic had their largest lead of the game at 12-9 in the first quarter, but trailed after one 24-19. The Pistons then extended their lead to 43-31 before settling for a 52-43 halftime lead. The Magic then came back in the third to tie the game on several occasions but the Pistons went up 70-66 at the end of three. The Magic tied the game again at 77 after a four point play by Rashard Lewis with just over six minutes remaining, but the Magic then went four minutes without scoring as the Pistons took an eight point lead en route to the 88-82 win.

Magic leading scorers

Rashard Lewis: 23 points (6 of 12 three point field goals), 6 assists
Dwight Howard: 18 points (7 of 15 field goals), 18 rebounds, 3 blocks
Hedo Turkoglu: 14 points (6 of 12 field goals), 8 assists, 5 rebounds

Detroit leading scorers

Rodney Stuckey: 19 points
Tayshaun Prince: 16 points
Rasheed Wallace: 16 points

Overall Game Statistics

FG%: DET 42.1% (32 of 76) ORL 40.3% (31 of 77)
3 PT FG%: DET 45.5% (5 of 11) ORL 40.7% (11 of 27)
FT%: DET 65.5% (19 of 29) ORL 64.3% (9 of 14)
REB: DET 43 (11 offensive) ORL 36 (9 offensive)
AST/TO: DET 17/4 ORL 20/9
BENCH: DET 20 ORL 11

Other game notes and stats:

-The Magic outscored the Pistons 73-69 from the field but the ten free throws made advantage by the Pistons was the difference
-The Pistons' starting guards, Stuckey and Iverson, outscored the Magic starting guards, Bogans and Nelson, 34-16
-Nelson also did not have any assists, and was limited to 29 minutes due to foul trouble
-Howard was limited to one first half point but scored 17 in the second half
-Turkoglu and Lewis combined for 37 points (only 13 in the second half), 14 assists, and 8 rebounds
-The Magic reserves shot a combined 5 for 17 from the field
-Mickael Pietrus led the reserves with five points before coming out in the second quarter due to a hard fall on his back and wrist after a dunk
-Antonio McDyess of the Pistons scored as many points himself as the whole Magic bench with 11, and added 8 rebounds and 5 assists
-The Magic used a ten man rotation, with Foyle and Redick not seeing action

The Magic will play a New Year's Eve matinee in Chicago, as they did in 2007.

For the complete box score, click here

Magic at Pistons tonight

The Magic (24-6) will take on their nemesis who has knocked them out of the playoffs the last two seasons, the Detroit Pistons (17-11). The Pistons are on a three-game winning streak and are coming off a 87-76 win over Milwaukee on Saturday, and played without G Richard "Rip" Hamilton, who was out with a groin injury. His status for tonight's game is not known.

The Magic, who will be trying for their eighth win in a row, are 3 point favorites.

For the complete game preview from Yahoo! Sports, click here

Magic come alive in fourth to break open close game in rout of T-Wolves

The Magic (24-6) started quickly in the game, as they jumped out to a 17-2 lead off the bat. Minnesota (5-24) did not quit, and scored 33 points in the second quarter to lead 55-53 at the half. The Magic fell behind by as much as 60-53 in the third before coming back to take a 79-74 lead after three quarters. The T-Wolves came back to tie at 82 with just over 10 minutes remaining in the game; from that point on, the Magic dominated as they outscored the Wolves 36-12 the rest of the way for a 118-94 win, the Magic's seventh in a row.

Magic leading scorers

Hedo Turkoglu: 26 points (8 of 12 field goals), 7 rebounds
Rashard Lewis: 24 points (9 of 17 field goals), 7 rebounds
Jameer Nelson: 20 points (8 of 14 field goals), 8 assists, 6 rebounds
Dwight Howard: 17 points (7 of 12 field goals), 5 rebounds, 5 blocks

Minnesota leading scorers

Rashad McCants (bench): 21 points
Al Jefferson: 16 points

Overall Game Stats

FG%: ORL 53.8% (43 of 80) MIN 41.2% (35 of 85)
3 PT FG%: MIN 61.5% (8 of 13) ORL 50% (12 of 24)
FT%: ORL 80% (20 of 25) MIN 57.1% (16 of 28)
REB: ORL 42 (8 offensive) MIN 40 (15 offensive)
AST/TO: ORL 20/14 MIN 17/14
BENCH: MIN 47 ORL 24

Other game notes and stats:

-The Magic shot 27 of 42 in the second half
-The Magic outscored the Wolves in the second half 65-39
-The Magic starters outscored the Wolves' starters 94-47, including a 67-32 advantage from the starting frontcourt
-Lewis and Turkoglu combined for 50 points on 17 of 29 shooting and 14 rebounds
-Nelson came out of the game in the third quarter with a jammed toe, but came back in the fourth to score 12 points and hitting his last five shots
-The Magic used a ten man rotation, with J.J. Redick and Adonal Foyle not seeing action
-Marcin Gortat led the reserves with 8 points
-Anthony Johnson had 5 steals in just under 20 minutes
-The T-Wolves shot better from the three point line (61.5%) than the free throw line (57.1%)

The Magic have now won 20 of their last 23 games, and play at Detroit Monday.

For the complete box score, click here

Also, check out the blog post below from WeRDevos as Marc Stein of ESPN gives his take on the Magic thus far.

Marc Stein of ESPN on the Magic So Far

ESPN - Weekend Dime: The Year's Final Tally - NBA

One of my favorite execs (who shall remain nameless) has been all over me lately about the Magic.

I admit it: This guy called it. He told me back in the summertime that the Magic would be doing what they're doing, cementing themselves as the third-best team in the East despite what I (and others) deemed insufficient tweaking to the roster. I didn't listen.

So I'm giving him the floor now, after he checked in to respond to our selection of Boston's Kevin Garnett over Dwight Howard as the best defensive player in the league with one-third of the season complete in the last Weekend Dime:

"I think it's time to start talking about Orlando as a contender," he said. "Who can't they beat? They can play any style. They can play big. They can play small. They've got so many shooters that J.J. Redick can't even get on the court for them.

"[Beating Boston or Cleveland in the playoffs] might not happen this year, but Dwight Howard is only getting better every day. What I would worry about more is whether they can re-sign Hedo [Turkoglu]. It looks like they're going to have problems keeping him, and he's huge for them.

"But [general manager] Otis Smith has done a good job there. They've put together that team nicely. They overpaid Rashard Lewis, but then they have Jameer Nelson, who is going to outperform his contract.

"I'll agree with you on KG. He's still the best defensive player in the league. He's just so smart. He reads what the other team is trying to run offensively and tries to disrupt it. Dwight Howard is not that kind of defender yet.

"But don't sleep on the Magic. The only two problems I see are re-signing Hedo -- and LeBron James. I wonder if they're going to end up like Cleveland in the [late] 1980s ... with LeBron as MJ. The Cavs had a good team but could never get past Michael."

Team officials know better than sportswriters that defense is rarely something you can judge with statistics as the main thrust, not even when the individual numbers are so gaudy that Howard is threatening to join Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1975-76), Bill Walton (1976-77), Hakeem Olajuwon (1989-90) and Ben Wallace (2001-02) in the exclusive club of players to lead the league in blocks and rebounds in the same season.

Numbers simply don't account for a player's ability to defend players of all sizes ... or his help defense ... or the impact of a defensive anchor like Garnett, who can lift his teammates' intensity and hold them accountable like a coach. The Celtics are in the midst of one of the best starts in NBA history, rank at or near the top in virtually every defensive category despite losing James Posey in free agency and have quickly hushed all the questions coming into the season about their hunger for another championship. All of that is why KG prevailed here.

However ...

I had to let my guy have his say. The Magic have been everything he said they'd be so far.

Magic begin three game trip in Minnesota tonight

The Magic (23-6) take on the struggling Timberwolves (5-23) tonight. The T-Wolves broke a 13 game losing streak last night by beating the Knicks in New York 120-107.

The Magic will be looking for their first seven game winning streak since Brian Hill was coach, as the Magic won eight games in a row back in March-April 2006.

Key defensive stat... their last four games, the Magic are holding their opponents to 82.5 points per game on 36% shooting.

The Magic are 9 1/2 point favorites.

For the complete game preview from Yahoo! Sports, click here

Magic ride hot first half to rout Hornets

The Magic (23-6) led New Orleans (16-9) from start to finish, as the Magic played probably their best half of the season, which was followed by their worst half of the season in their 88-68 win over the Hornets.

The Magic jumped out to a 29-14 lead after one, then stretched their lead to an eye-popping 61-31 at the half. As human nature goes, the Magic cooled down considerably in the second half as they shot an ice-cold 8 of 35 (22.9%), but the Hornets could draw no closer than 19 points at the end of the third quarter, as the Magic were able to sustain a 20+ pt lead in the fourth despite their cold shooting.

Magic leading scorers

Hedo Turkoglu: 20 points (6 of 12 field goals), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 turnovers
Rashard Lewis: 18 points (6 of 12 field goals), 6 rebounds
Jameer Nelson: 14 points (5 of 11 field goals), 3 assists
Dwight Howard: 12 points (4 of 15 field goals), 15 rebounds, 3 blocks
Mickael Pietrus (bench): 11 points (4 of 8 field goals)

New Orleans leading scorers

David West: 13 points, 7 rebounds
Chris Paul: 12 points, 4 assists

Overall Game Statistics

FG%: ORL 40.5% (30 of 74) NO 33.3% (29 of 84)
3 PT FG%: ORL 46.4% (13 of 28) NO 25% (4 of 16)
FT%: NO 80% (8 of 10) ORL 68.2% (15 of 22)
REB: ORL 48 (12 offensive) NO 44 (12 offensive)
AST/TO: ORL 19/14 NO 11/12
BENCH: ORL 24 NO 24

Other game notes and stats:

-Hornets' sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic sat out his fourth straight game with back spasms
-Chris Paul's remarkable record streak of 108 games in a row with a steal came to an end this game; he played 32 minutes without without getting one
-The Magic shot 22 of 39 (56.4%) in the first half and scored 61 points while holding the Hornets to just 31 points
-Turkoglu and Lewis combined for 38 points on 12 of 24 shooting, 12 rebounds, 9 assists
-The Magic starting frontline outscored the Hornets' starting frontline 50-20
-In the fourth quarter, the Magic scored only 3 points in the final 8:46, a 3 pointer from J.J. Redick; the Magic went scoreless for a 7:28 span in the fourth
-For a 5:12 span in the fourth, neither team scored a point
-The Magic scored just 27 second-half points

The Magic complete their homestand at 4-0, and have won six games in a row and 19 of their last 22 games. They now embark on a three game road trip beginning Saturday at Minnesota.

For the complete box score, click here

Magic host Hornets in early Christmas Day matchup

First off, I would like to wish all our blog contributors (Big Figure, OVERWADED, WeRDevos, Matt, and Ken), other commenters, and all our readers a Merry Christmas and a very happy holiday season!

For the first time in five years, the Magic (22-6) find themselves playing on Christmas Day, in a noon nationally televised game on ESPN, as they take on Western Conference contender New Orleans (16-8), with star G Chris Paul, who has made at least one steal in an NBA-record 108 consecutive games.

The Hornets are coming off a 100-87 loss to the LA Lakers Tuesday, which snapped the Hornets' four game winning streak, but the Hornets have still won 11 of their last 14 games.

The Magic are 4 1/2 point favorites to win their sixth game in a row.

For a complete game preview from Yahoo! Sports, click here

Magic break open game in second half in rout of Warriors

The Magic led this game against Golden State from start to finish as six Magic players scored in double figures. The Magic had a 25-16 lead after one quarter, and then had their largest lead of the first half at 48-31 before settling for a 53-45 halftime lead. The Warriors then came to within 58-54 early in the third before the Magic erupted on a 29-12 run and led 87-66 at the end of three. The lead increased to by as much as 35 points in the fourth before the final score of 113-81.

Magic leading scorers

Jameer Nelson: 22 points (9 of 9 field goals), 7 assists, 5 rebounds
Rashard Lewis: 21 points (8 of 12 field goals), 5 rebounds
Mickael Pietrus (bench): 14 points (4 of 8 three point field goals)
Hedo Turkoglu: 12 points (3 of 10 field goals), 7 assists, 5 rebounds
Courtney Lee (bench): 12 points (5 of 9 field goals), 5 rebounds
Dwight Howard: 11 points (4 of 11 field goals), 11 rebounds, 2 blocks

Golden State leading scorers

Jamal Crawford: 18 points

Overall Game Statistics

FG%: ORL 48.2% (41 of 85) GS 31.9% (29 of 91)
3 PT FG%: ORL 51.6% (16 of 31) GS 35.7% (5 of 14)
FT%: GS 64.3% (18 of 28) ORL 62.5% (15 of 24)
REB: ORL 55 (11 offensive) GS 52 (18 offensive)
AST/TO: ORL 23/13 GS 16/16
BENCH: ORL 47 GS 36

Other game notes and stats:

-All 12 Magic players played; only Keith Bogans and Adonal Foyle failed to score
-Nelson, named the Eastern Conference player of the week, made all nine of his field goal attempts to set an Amway Arena record for most field goals made without a miss; he also had an outstanding 7/1 assist/turnover ratio
-The Magic set a season high with 16 three point field goals
-The Magic reserves combined for a season-high 47 points
-The Magic outscored the Warriors from the field 98-63
-The Magic starting frontline outscored the Warriors' starting frontline 44-15.
-The Magic went on a 49-18 run spanning the third and fourth quarters
-Bogans, who has played well defensively, has lost his shooting touch the last 4 games, as he has scored just 13 points in those games (3.3 ppg) on 5 of 27 field goal shooting (18.5%), including 2 of 17 (11.8%) from three point range

The Magic (22-6) have now won 18 of their last 21 games, and are 4 1/2 games in front of second-place Atlanta, as they await their first Christmas Day game in five years against New Orleans.

For the complete box score, click here

Magic host Warriors tonight

The Magic (21-6) will try to extend their latest winning streak to five games as they take on Golden State (8-20). The Warriors are coming off a 110-103 victory at Charlotte Saturday, with Jamal Crawford pouring in 50 points. Corey Maggette and Stephen Jackson will miss the game due to injuries.

The Magic are favored by 12 points, but have lost their last two games to the Warriors in Orlando.

Also, congratulations to Jameer Nelson, named the Eastern Conference player of the week!

For the complete game preview from Yahoo! Sports, click here

Bryant scores 41 but Magic hold on to beat Lakers

The Magic (21-6) were able to survive season highs in points from both Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher, 15 missed free throws, a nine-point halftime deficit, and four more turnovers than the Lakers with arguably their best win of the year 106-103 thanks to another tremendous game from Jameer Nelson and three other players in double figures.

The Lakers had the lead throughout most of the first half, as they led 24-23 at the end of one and then shot 63% in the second to take their largest lead at 51-41 and settled for a 58-49 halftime lead. The Magic then caught fire in the third, scoring 36 points, and led 85-84 going into the final quarter. The Magic had their largest lead at 91-86 but the Lakers came back and were able to forge a 101-101 tie in the final minute and a half. Thanks to clutch free throw shooting from Dwight Howard, the Magic were able to hold on for the final margin as Bryant just missed a long three at the buzzer.

Magic leading scorers

Jameer Nelson: 27 points (11 of 16 field goals), 5 assists
Rashard Lewis: 22 points (6 of 13 field goals), 5 rebounds
Dwight Howard: 18 points (10 of 15 free throws), 12 rebounds, 2 blocks
Hedo Turkoglu: 14 points (5 of 10 field goals), 7 assists, 5 rebounds

LA Lakers leading scorers

Kobe Bryant: 41 points (14 of 31 field goals), 8 rebounds
Derek Fisher: 27 points (9 of 16 field goals)

Overall game statistics

FG%: ORL 48.6% (35 of 72) LAL: 41.4% (36 of 87)
3 PT FG%: ORL 40% (12 of 30) LAL: 33.3% (7 of 21)
FT%: LAL 96% (24 of 25) ORL 61.5% (24 of 39)
REB: LAL 40 (11 offensive) ORL 40 (10 offensive)
AST/TO: ORL 20/15 LAL 14/11
BENCH: ORL 22 LAL 19

Other game notes and stats:

-Mickael Pietrus returned for the first time since injuring his thumb and scored 5 points on 2 of 10 shooting off the bench
-Former Magic forward Trevor Ariza played 24 minutes off the bench and scored 5 points along with 5 rebounds
-The Magic starting frontcourt outscored the Lakers' starting frontcourt 54-16 and outrebounded them 22-10
-Lakers' starting C Andrew Bynum had more fouls (5) than points (3) and rebounds (1) combined
-Turkoglu and Lewis combined for 36 points on 11 of 23 shooting, 10 rebounds, 11 assists, and 3 steals
-11 players played for the Magic with 10 scoring; only Brian Cook failed to score
-Only J.J. Redick failed to see action
-Battie and Gortat off the bench combined for 7 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks
-Only Pau Gasol missed a free throw for the Lakers
-Even though the Lakers made one more field goal than the Magic, the Magic made five more three pointers to outscore the Lakers 82-79 from the field, and were able to make as many free throws as the Lakers despite the Lakers 96% free throw shooting

The Magic have now won 4 games in a row, 17 of their last 20 games, and 21 of their last 25 games.

The Magic will try to continue those streaks against Golden State on Monday.

For the complete box score, click here

Best in the West visits the Magic tonight

The West-leading LA Lakers (21-4), led by Kobe Bryant and his 25.2 points per game, make their only visit of the season to Orlando Saturday night. The Lakers are coming off a rare loss to the Heat 89-87 Friday night, as Dwyane Wade shredded the Lakers for 35 points.

Magic fans also get a chance to see Lakers top reserve Trevor Ariza against his former team. Ariza has been a big part of the Lakers' success, as he is averaging 9.6 points per game, which is fifth on the team. He is shooting 48.2% from the field, 29.6% from three point range, along with 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and a team-leading 1.9 steals in just over 24 minutes a game.

No line yet for the game, but the Magic figure to be slight favorites. UPDATE: The Lakers are 2 point favorites over the Magic. Just another indication of the oddsmakers not giving the Magic the respect they deserve.

For the complete preview of the game from Yahoo! Sports, click here

Howard returns as Magic top Spurs

Bolstered by the return of Dwight Howard and a strong second half by Jameer Nelson, the Magic led for all except for the first four minutes of a 90-78 win over San Antonio.

Both teams started out slow, as the Magic only hit 1 of their first 9 shots in falling behind the Spurs 9-3 but led 19-13 after one quarter. The Magic extended their lead to 44-29 at the half, as the Spurs shot just 28% for the first half. The Magic had their largest lead at 54-31 in the third quarter before the Spurs made their run, outscoring the Magic 34-17 to cut the Magic lead to 71-65 with 7 minutes remaining, but San Antonio could draw no closer as the Magic stretched their lead back out to 17 points before the final margin.

Magic leading scorers

Jameer Nelson: 24 points (11 of 18 field goals), 7 assists
Rashard Lewis: 15 points (5 of 15 field goals), 5 rebounds
Dwight Howard: 14 points (6 of 12 field goals), 13 rebounds, 2 blocks
Hedo Turkoglu: 11 points (5 of 12 field goals), 4 rebounds
Courtney Lee (bench): 10 points (4 of 9 field goals)

San Antonio leading scorers

Tim Duncan: 19 points
Tony Parker: 10 points
Manu Ginobili: 10 points

Overall Game Statistics

FG%: ORL 44.7% (38 of 85) SA 37.5% (30 of 80)
3 PT FG%: SA 40% (8 of 20) ORL 24.0% (6 of 25)
FT%: ORL 80% (8 of 10) SA 76.9% (10 of 13)
REB: ORL 44 (6 offensive) SA 39 (7 offensive)
AST/TO: ORL 16/13 SA 15/15
BENCH: SA 30 ORL 18

Other game notes and stats:

-After shooting 1 for 5 in the first half for 3 points, Nelson shot 10 for 13 in the second half for 21 points
-The Spurs' Tony Parker had a miserable night, shooting just 3 of 17
-The Magic starters outscored the Spurs' starters 72-48, with the Spurs' starters shooting just 18 of 52 from the field
-Lewis and Turkoglu combined for 26 points on 10 of 27 shooting, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks
-The Magic used a 9 man rotation with Lee, Johnson, Cook, and Gortat seeing action off the bench
-Battie, Foyle, and Redick all registered a DNP-CD.
-Keith Bogans was the only starter not to score in double figures, but he wound up with 8 points and 9 rebounds

The Magic (20-6) now enjoy a 4 1/2 game lead over Atlanta in the SE, with the Los Angeles Lakers coming to Orlando on Saturday night.

For the complete box score, click here

Howard's knee a concern as Magic face Spurs tonight

From Brian Schmitz's BasketBlog on Wednesday, Dec. 17th from orlandosentinel.com:

Dwight Howard went through a limited practice on Wednesday, and neither Howard nor the Magic could definitely say the all-star center would play Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs.

"Hopefully, it depends on how I feel," Howard said.

Howard missed the final two games of the club's road trip last week.

Coach Stan Van Gundy is counting on Howard playing against the Spurs, but won't know more until it's determined how Howard responds to Wednesday's workout. Van Gundy said Howard is being fitted for a knee brace, and will wear it in practices.

Howard tried to label his knee injury "a bruise" that he sustained during the game at Phoenix last week, but later said that he's had inflammation in it off and on this season. He was held out of several practices earlier this season.

The club said he took an MRI on Tuesday that revealed nothing serious, other than the arthritis and inflammation previous tests have showed.

"It's not bothering me right now," Howard said. "I don't think it's going to be a problem that will stop me from doing the things I do best."

Howard doesn't think having to manage the injury and sit out practices will affect him the rest of the season.

"No, I don't think so," he said. "We just run the whole practice. We do all our work before and after practice individually. I don't think that will be a problem."

Shooting guard Mickael Pietrus also returned to practice Wednesday, but said he likely will not play Thursday. Pietrus has missed nine games with a torn ligament in his thumb.

For the complete game preview from Yahoo! Sports of tonight's game, which will be nationally televised on TNT, click here

The Magic are favored by 3 1/2 points.

Can Magic Pull Off All-Dukie Trade? J.J. Redick For Grant Hill?

A little more than a year after parting ways, the Magic and Grant Hill would be interested in getting back together.
Neither Hill nor the Magic can say so publicly --- there's that thing called tampering --- but my sources are impeccable on this end.
Hill, who has one home in Orlando and is renovating another, would embrace a reunion despite feeling the Magic didn't try to keep him after his star-crossed seven-year career ended in 2007. He signed a two-year contract with the Phoenix Suns.
The Magic could trade, say, J.J. Redick for Hill in a transaction that might make sense for both sides.
At 36, Hill doesn't know if he fits into the Suns' plans after the season and can be a free agent after the season. The Suns just acquired shooting guard Jason Richardson and more moves could be on the way under General Manager Steve Kerr.
It doesn't appear that even with aging Shaquille O'Neal that the Suns can make a serious run to come out of the West against the Lakers.
Hill would give the Magic's bench a savvy veteran who can still score and play defense in bursts at playoff time, although Hill favors starting to keep his old bones warm.
The salaries of Hill and Redick -- Dukies from different generations --- almost match at around $2 million.
Redick wouldn't mind a ticket out, either. He'll go back to being the fourth-team shooting guard after Mickael Pietrus returns in a week or so.
While Redick's shot has deserted him, his dead-eye potential could interest Kerr, who won titles on the strentgh of his jumper. If the Suns are missing a piece, it's a pure shooter and maybe Redick could flourish in an uptempo offense, especially playing off of Shaq.
Brian Schmitz

Nelson, Gortat set marks in Magic win over Warriors

Jameer Nelson tied his career high with 32 points and Marcin Gortat set career highs with 16 points and 13 rebounds as the Magic completed a 4-1 road trip with a 109-98 win over Golden State, despite Dwight Howard sitting out to rest his sore knee.

Golden State's last lead of the game was 26-25 early in the second quarter; the Magic led 46-40 at the half and extended the lead to 77-67 at the end of three. The Warriors could pull no closer than 8 points early in the fourth as the Magic pulled away and had their largest lead at 104-87 before cruising to the final score.

Magic leading scorers

Jameer Nelson: 32 points (13 of 25 field goals), 4 assists, 3 steals
Rashard Lewis: 21 points (8 of 15 field goals), 8 rebounds, 2 steals
Marcin Gortat: 16 points (7 of 13 field goals), 13 rebounds, 3 blocks
Courtney Lee (bench): 16 points (6 of 8 field goals)
Hedo Turkoglu: 12 points (6 of 17 field goals), 8 assists, 7 rebounds

Golden State leading scorers

Andris Biedrins: 23 points, 9 rebounds
Marco Belinelli: 19 points

Overall Game Statistics

FG%: ORL 47.9% (45 of 94) GS 41.8% (38 of 91)
3 PT FG%: ORL 50% (10 of 20) GS 27.8% (5 of 18)
FT%: GS 73.9% (17 of 23) ORL 9 of 13 (69.2%)
REB: ORL 51 (14 offensive) GS 48 (16 offensive)
AST/TO: ORL 26/13 GS 19/16
BENCH: GS 34 ORL 26

Other game notes and stats:

-The Magic scored 63 second half points
-The Magic outscored the Warriors 100-81 from the field to more than offset the Warriors' eight free throws made advantage
-After shooting just 1 of 6 on threes in the first half, the Magic were 9 of 14 on threes in the second half
-After starting 3 of 9 from the field, Nelson made 10 of his last 16 shots
-Nelson outscored the Warriors' starting guards by himself 32-23
-Other than C Andris Biedrins, the Warriors' four other starters combined to shoot 13 of 51 from the field for 41 points
-Lewis and Turkoglu combined for another good game with 33 points, 15 rebounds, 13 assists, and 2 steals
-The Magic used a 9-man rotation, with Lee, Battie, Johnson, and Redick all seeing action off the bench and each scoring
-Battie shot just 1 for 8 for 4 points, but grabbed 12 rebounds and had a block
-Keith Bogans (2 points) was the only Magic starter not to score in double figures
-The Magic are off to their second-best start after 25 games in franchise history.

The Magic continue to lead second-place Atlanta by 3 1/2 games as they get ready for a tough four-game homestand starting on Thursday against San Antonio.

For the complete box score, click here

Howard to miss second straight game as Magic shoot for 4-1 road trip

According to Brian Schmitz's BasketBlog from the Online Sentinel, Dwight Howard is still experiencing soreness in his knee and will most likely sit for tonight's game against Golden State. The Warriors will be missing F Corey Maggette, who has a strained hamstring.

The Warriors (7-17) have lost 11 of their last 13 games, and are 3 1/2 point underdogs to the Magic (18-6) tonight.

For the complete game preview from Yahoo! Sports, click here

Without Howard, Magic use big second half to stun Utah

Dwight Howard missed the first game of his career due to his sore knee from the Phoenix game Friday night. He had played in 351 regular-season games in a row. PF Carlos Boozer was sitting out for the Jazz along with starting G Ronnie Brewer.

The Magic, after a lackluster first half which saw them trailing 56-46, suddenly came to life in the third quarter as they outscored the Jazz 34-12 to take a 80-68 lead going into the fourth. The Magic had their largest lead at 89-74 before the Jazz went on a 13-3 run to come within 92-87 with just over three minutes remaining, but that's as close as they would get, as the Magic (18-6) went on to a 103-94 victory.

Magic leading scorers

Rashard Lewis: 27 points (10 of 17 field goals), 9 rebounds
Hedo Turkoglu: 23 points (6 of 15 field goals), 5 assists, 3 steals
Jameer Nelson: 17 points (6 of 12 field goals), 6 assists, 5 turnovers
Keith Bogans: 10 points (3 of 5 field goals), 5 rebounds
Brian Cook (bench): 9 points (3 of 4 three point field goals), 2 steals

Utah leading scorers

Deron Williams: 17 points, 11 assists
Andre Kirilenko (bench): 17 points
Paul Millsap: 14 points, 14 rebounds

Overall Game Statistics

FG%: ORL 48.0% (36 of 75) UT 43.4% (33 of 76)
3 PT FG%: ORL 51.9% (14 of 27) UT 44.4% (8 of 18)
FT%: ORL 73.9% (17 of 23) UT 69.0% (20 of 29)
REB: UT 45 (16 offensive) ORL 33 (11 offensive)
AST/TO: UT 25/22 ORL 18/18
BENCH: UT 39 ORL 22

Other game notes and stats:

-Ten players saw action for the Magic and all scored; only Adonal Foyle and Jeremy Richardson did not see any action
-Marcin Gortat, starting for Howard, scored 4 points with 4 rebounds and 4 blocks in 30 minutes along with 5 fouls
-Nelson and Bogans, after scoring just 2 combined points in the first half, scored 25 combined points in the second half to wind up with 27 points on 9 of 18 shooting
-One night after scoring just 33 combined points, Lewis and Turkoglu combined for 50 points on 16 of 32 shooting, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals with 7 turnovers
-The Magic shot 19 of 35 from the field in the second half compared to 10 of 33 for Utah
-The Jazz shot just 3 of 15 in the third quarter
-The Magic starters outscored the Jazz starters 81-55, including a 54-33 starting frontcourt advantage
-Kirilenko and Kyle Korver (15 points) combined for 32 points off the Utah bench

The Magic will play the final game of their season-long five game road trip Monday night against Golden Stater; it's not known whether Howard will be able to play.

For the complete box score, click here

Howard leaves game with sore knee in last-second Magic loss to Suns

Things didn't look good for the Magic as they entered the fourth quarter trailing Phoenix 87-77, and without Dwight Howard, who had to leave the game with under 8 minutes remaining in the third quarter with what was reported as a sore knee. Brian Cook and Jameer Nelson each hit a three in the opening minute of the fourth to get the Magic right back in it, and it would be a close game the rest of the way. Hedo Turkoglu hit a 22 footer to give the Magic a one point lead with just under 10 seconds remaining, but Grant Hill was able to sneak underneath for a game-winning reverse layup with 2.7 seconds remaining. Rashard Lewis's three attempt afterward that would have won the game wasn't close, and the Suns (14-10) edged the Magic (17-6) 113-112.

Magic leading scorers

Dwight Howard: 19 points (8 of 12 field goals), 7 rebounds
Rashard Lewis: 18 points (6 of 15 field goals), 8 rebounds
Jameer Nelson: 16 points (7 of 16 field goals), 6 assists
Keith Bogans: 16 points (4 of 6 three point field goals)
Hedo Turkoglu: 13 points (4 of 18 field goals), 6 rebounds

Phoenix leading scorers

Steve Nash: 21 points, 10 assists
Amare Stoudemire: 21 points, 14 rebounds
Jason Richardson: 21 points

Overall Game Stats

FG: PHO 50.6% (44 of 87) ORL 45.3% (39 of 86)
3 PT FG%: PHO 52.6% (10 of 19) ORL 43.3% (13 of 30)
FT%: ORL 95.5% (21 of 22) PHO 78.9% (15 of 19)
REB: PHO 44 ORL 39
AST/TO: PHO 21/13 ORL 20/11
BENCH: PHO 38 ORL 30

Other game notes and stats:

-The Suns outscored the Magic 98-91 from the field to offset the Magic's 21-15 advantage at the free throw line, where the Magic shot a brilliant 95.5%
-The Magic had their largest lead at 53-40 with 7 minutes remaining in the second
-The Suns then went on a 47-22 run for their largest lead at 87-75 late in the third quarter
-The Magic were only 5 of 29 shooting spanning the last 7 minutes of the second through most of the third quarter
-The Magic came back to shoot 13 of 23 from the field in the fourth
-Courtney Lee and Marcin Gortat each led the reserves with 8 points each
-Eleven Magic players saw action and all scored; only J.J. Redick failed to see action
-After scoring a combined 51 points against Portland, Lewis and Turkoglu were held to just 33 points against the Suns on 10 of 33 shooting (4 of 12 on threes); they did combine for 14 rebounds and 6 assists
-Nelson scored 10 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter; it was reported after the game he was playing with a stomach virus
-Former Magic Grant Hill hurt his former team with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals in addition to the game-winner
-Former Magic center Shaquille O'Neal was inactive due to a death in his family

The Magic are 3 1/2 games ahead of Atlanta in the SE as they play a back-to-back Saturday night against Utah.

For the complete box score, click here

Magic face Phoenix tonight as road trip continues

The Magic (17-5) will try to make it 13 wins in 15 games tonight as they take on the Suns (13-10) in Phoenix. The Suns will be without Shaquille O'Neal because of a death in his family.

Former Magic G/F Grant Hill is in his second year with the Suns, and is averaging 9.0 points per game on 47.7% field goal shooting, 75% free throw shooting, 4.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.

The Suns may have Jason Richardson, who they just acquired from Charlotte, available for the game.

The Suns, losers of five of their last seven games, are 2 point favorites over the Magic.

For the complete preview of the game from Yahoo! Sports, click here

Jameer Nelson proving all his critics wrong this season

A few days ago, Third Quarter Collapse put up an excellent blog post about how the people who continue to criticize Magic point guard Jameer Nelson are way off base, and how Nelson's current statistics bear out that he indeed is a quality point guard. That post was written before the Magic's current road trip, where Nelson continues to put up quality numbers, such as the 21 points on 8 of 16 shooting and 6/1 assist/turnover ratio he put up against Portland.

Click here to read

Turkoglu's last-second three lifts Magic to dramatic win over Portland

Portland had their largest lead at 108-100 with 2:21 remaining, as the Magic seemed destined to lose this game. The unthinkable then happened, as the Magic held Portland scoreless the rest of the way as the Blazers missed on four shot attempts as Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis, and Hedo Turkoglu all hit three point shots; Turkoglu's came with 0.3 seconds remaining to give the Magic a dramatic 109-108 victory.

Prior to the fourth quarter, the Magic had the lead throughout the game as they held a one point lead at the half 49-48 and extended their lead to 81-73 in the third before entering the fourth with a 81-80 lead.

Magic leading scorers

Rashard Lewis: 27 points (9 of 16 field goals, 6 of 9 three point field goals), 9 rebounds
Hedo Turkoglu: 24 points (8 of 16 field goals), 5 assists
Jameer Nelson: 21 points (8 of 16 field goals), 6 assists, 3 steals
Dwight Howard: 14 points (5 of 11 field goals), 7 rebounds

Portland leading scorers

Brandon Roy: 30 points
Lionel Aldridge: 25 points, 13 rebounds

Overall Game Statistics

FG%: POR 51.9% (40 of 77) ORL 50.6% (39 of 77)
3 PT FG%: ORL 51.9% (14 of 27) POR 26.3% (5 of 19)
FT%: POR 82.1% (23 of 28) ORL 70.8% (17 of 24)
REB: POR 44 (11 offensive) ORL 29 (5 offensive)
AST/TO: ORL 26/7 POR 24/12
BENCH: POR 45 ORL 18

Other game notes and stats:

-The Blazers had a better shooting percentage from the field, the free throw line, outrebounded the Magic, and the Blazers bench significantly outscored the Magic bench
-The Magic still outscored the Blazers from the field 92-85, thanks to 14 three point field goals, and also had a superb assist/turnover ratio
-Nelson, Turkoglu, and Lewis all made up for a sub-par night from Dwight Howard as the three combined for 72 points
-Turkoglu and Lewis, after struggling the past few games, combined for 51 points on 17 of 32 field goal shooting, 8 of 14 three point shooting, 11 rebounds, 9 assists, and just one turnover
-The Magic starting frontcourt outscored the Blazers starting frontcourt 65-27
-Blazers C Greg Oden had more fouls (4) than points (2) and rebounds (1) combined
-Lee, Battie, Johnson, and Cook all saw action off the bench
-Four Blazers in reserve scored in double figures
-Howard scored just 5 points after the 5:30 mark of the first quarter
-For the first time all year, the Magic did not block any shots
-Magic shot 13 of 14 from the free throw line without Howard's 4 of 10 free throw shooting

For the complete box score, click here

Magic face Trailblazers tonight in Portland

The Magic will try to avenge a 106-99 loss at home to the TrailBlazers last month. This will be the final meeting betwwen the two teams this season.

The Blazers are favored by 5 1/2 points.

For the complete game preview from Yahoo! Sports, click here

Big fourth quarter by Magic leads to win over Clippers

The Magic looked to be in trouble at the end of three as the Los Angeles Clippers enjoyed a 75-66 lead. The Magic then took control of the game in the final quarter, as they outscored the Clippers 22-2 to begin the quarter and then held off a final Clippers surge to win the first game of their five-game road trip 95-88, with Dwight Howard having another 20/20 game.

The Magic started out quickly, jumping out to a 14-2 lead and had their largest lead at 24-9 before the Clippers took control and went on a 39-18 run to close the first half and led 48-42 at the half. The Magic briefly took the lead 55-54 in the third before the Clippers re-established themselves with the nine point lead at the end of three. The Clippers simply could not make any shots in the fourth, as they shot just 5 of 20 in the quarter to allow the Magic to overtake them. The Magic had a 88-77 lead after their big scoring surge. The Clippers were able to pull to within 88-85 but were able to get no closer as the Magic upped their record to 16-5.

Magic leading scorers

Dwight Howard: 23 points (7 of 16 field goals, 9 of 18 free throws), 22 rebounds, 6 blocks
Rashard Lewis: 18 points (5 of 12 field goals), 7 rebounds
Jameer Nelson: 15 points (7 of 10 field goals), 5 assists
Hedo Turkoglu: 10 points (4 of 15 field goals), 6 assists, 5 rebounds

Clippers leading scorers

Baron Davis: 27 points, 7 assists
Zach Randolph: 21 points, 12 rebounds

Overall Game Statistics

FG%: ORL 44.0% (33 of 75) LAC: 38.5% (37 of 96)
3 PT FG%: ORL 38.5% (10 of 26) LAC 33.3% (5 of 15)
FT%: LAC 69.2% (9 of 13) ORL 63.3% (19 of 30)
REB: LAC 51 (16 offensive) ORL 43 (4 offensive)
AST/TO: ORL 21/16 LAC 19/13
BENCH: ORL 20 LAC 12

Other game notes and stats:

-The Clippers attempted 21 more shots than the Magic, but the Magic attempted 17 more free throws
-Lewis and Turkoglu both struggled from the field, shooting a combined 9 of 27 with 7 turnovers but had 12 rebounds and 8 assists
-The Magic starting guards, Nelson and Bogans, combined for 24 points on 10 of 15 shooting
-The Clippers' starting guards, Baron Davis and Eric Gordon, combined for 36 points but shot just 15 of 41 from the field
-The Magic used a nine-man rotation, with Lee, Battie, Johnson, and Cook seeing action off the bench
-Courtney Lee did well off the bench, scoring 8 points with 2 steals, an assist and a block
-Cook contributed 5 points in 10 minutes
-The Clippers' bench combined to shoot just 4 of 14
-The Magic made 8 of 13 three pointers in the second half
-In separate plays in the fourth quarter, the Clippers' Zach Randolph was charged with a flagrant foul and so was Cook for the Magic

The Magic will fly to Portland and take on the Blazers Tuesday night.

For the complete box score, click here

Magic begin tough stretch with five game road trip out West

Starting tonight through January 17th, the Magic will go through the toughest part of their schedule as they play 14 of the next 21 games on the road, and 13 of those 21 games involve teams that are currently over .500.

A look at the five game road trip:

Dec. 8th... at Los Angeles Clippers (4-16, 2-9 home) 5th Pacific
Dec. 9th... at Portland (15-7, 7-0 home), 1st Northwest
Dec. 12th... at Phoenix (12-9, 5-5 home), 2nd Pacific
Dec. 13th... at Utah (13-9, 9-3 home), 3rd Northwest
Dec. 15th... at Golden State (5-15, 3-5 home), 3rd Pacific

Obviously, the two most winnable games are against the Clippers and Warriors, and I expect the Magic to win both those games. The games against the Suns and Jazz, while tough, are also winnable, but since the Utah game is the second of a back-to-back I think the Magic will split those games. The game against the TrailBlazers will be very difficult because it also will be the second game of a back-to-back for the Magic; the Blazers are unbeaten at home; and have already beaten the Magic (without rookie center Greg Oden) in Orlando. I don't expect the Magic to win this game, though I hope they can keep it competitive.

Sure, it would be great if the Magic could go 5-0 on this road trip, but I think that's too unrealistic. I would be more than satisfied with a 3-2 trip; anything better would be fantastic while anything worse would be discouraging.

It all starts tonight against the Clippers, where the Magic are listed as 4 1/2 point favorites.

For the complete game preview, click here

Last but not least, a very happy 23rd birthday today to Dwight Howard!

Big game from Howard leads Magic over Oklahoma City

Dwight Howard had another 20/20 game and six other Magic players had at least eight points as the Magic welcomed back Jameer Nelson and Keith Bogans back to the rotation with a 98-89 win over the Thunder. The Magic were able to overcome poor shooting nights from Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis.

This was a close game for the first three quarters. The Magic led 21-18 after one; the Thunder took their last lead at 30-28 in the second with the Magic leading at the half 45-39. After three, the Thunder trailed by just four points, 70-66, but the Magic gradually pulled away in the fourth and had their largest lead at 98-87 before the final of 98-89.

Magic leading scorers

Dwight Howard: 21 points (7 of 17 field goals), 23 rebounds, 6 blocks
Jameer Nelson: 15 points (6 of 10 field goals), 7 assists, 4 steals
Hedo Turkoglu: 13 points (5 of 17 field goals), 7 assists
Rashard Lewis: 11 points (5 of 15 field goals), 6 rebounds
Keith Bogans (bench): 9 points (3 of 6 three pointers)

Oklahoma City leading scorers

Russell Westbrook: 19 points, 9 rebounds
Kevin Durant: 16 points, 10 rebounds

Game Statistics

FG%: ORL 45.2% (38 of 84) OKC 43.4% (36 of 83)
3 PT FG%: ORL 48.1% (13 of 27) OKC 33.3% (3 of 9)
FT%: OKC 66.7% (14 of 21) ORL 56.2% (9 of 16)
REB: OKC 46 (14 offensive) ORL 45 (13 offensive)
AST/TO: ORL 21/16 OKC 20/16
BENCH: ORL 30 OKC 30

Other game notes and stats:

-Turkoglu and Lewis combined for just 24 points on 10 of 32 shooting with 8 turnovers
-The Thunder starting forwards, Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, combined for 25 points on 9 of 25 shooting with 7 turnovers
-Nelson and Redick combined for 23 points on 9 of 15 shooting
-The Magic bench (Bogans, Battie, Johnson, and Lee) combined for 30 points on 12 of 20 shooting, including 5 of 8 on threes
-The Magic outscored the Thunder from the field 89-75
-The Magic shot 9 of 13 on threes not including Lewis and Turkoglu

The Magic begin a five game Western road swing Monday at the LA Clippers two games ahead of second place Atlanta in the SE.

For the complete box score, click here

Magic host lowly Oklahoma City tonight

The Magic (14-5) take on the team with the worst record in the NBA, the Thunder (2-17), tonight in Orlando for the final meeting between the teams this season. The Magic won easily 109-92 last month in Oklahoma City, with Dwight Howard reaching a triple/double.

The Magic may see the return of two of their injured players, Jameer Nelson and Keith Bogans. Nelson should be back in the lineup, and Bogans could see some action.

Kevin Durant, who was injured in the teams' first game, will be healthy for this game.

The Magic are 13 point favorites.

For the complete game preview, click here

Three Magic players score 22 or more points in win over T-Wolves

Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu, and Rashard Lewis each scored in the 20s, and rookie Courtney Lee had his best game so far as the Magic (14-5) shot well throughout the game and defeated Minnesota (4-13) 100-89.

The T-Wolves had their largest lead at 13-10 in the first, but the Magic had the lead 23-17 after one, and 44-38 at the half. The Magic then pulled away in the second half, leading 70-50 after three and had their largest lead at 73-52 early in the fourth. The Wolves never got closer than the final score.

Magic leading scorers

Dwight Howard: 23 points (7 of 10 free throws), 14 rebounds, 6 blocks, 5 turnovers
Rashard Lewis: 23 points (6 of 14 field goals), 5 assists
Hedo Turkoglu: 22 points (10 of 16 field goals), 4 assists, 3 steals
Courtney Lee: 19 points (8 of 10 field goals), 4 rebounds, 3 steals

Minnesota leading scorers

Al Jefferson: 19 points
Kevin Love: 16 points, 12 rebounds

Game Statistics

FG%: ORL 56.9% (37 of 65) MIN 41.4% (36 of 87)
3 PT FG%: ORL 47.6% (10 of 21) MIN 22.2% (2 of 9)
FT%: MIN 78.9% (15 of 19) ORL 66.7% (16 of 24)
REB: MIN 42 (16 offensive) ORL 31 (3 offensive)
AST/TO: ORL 18/19 MIN 15/15
BENCH: MIN 38 ORL 25

Other game notes and stats:

-The Magic starting frontcourt outscored the Wolves' starting frontcourt 68-34
-The Magic starting guards, Johnson and Redick, combined for just 7 points on 3 of 9 shooting and 5 turnovers
-The Wolves' starting guards, Foye and Ollie, combined for 17 points on 6 of 18 shooting
-Turkoglu and Lewis combined for 45 points on 16 of 30 shooting with 9 assists, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals
-The Magic made 21 of 33 field goals in the second half
-The Magic allowed a season-high 39 fourth-quarter points
-The Wolves attempted 22 more field goals than the Magic and had a 16-3 offensive rebounding advantage, but the Magic still made one more field goal than the Wolves
-Former Magic Rookie of the Year Mike Miller started and scored just 4 points for the Wolves
-In addition to Lee and Battie, Adonal Foyle and Marcin Gortat saw action off the bench
-All five starters and Lee played more than 30 minutes

The Magic still lead the SE by 2 games over Atlanta.

For the complete box score, click here

Magic host Minnesota tonight

The Magic (13-5) will host the Minnesota Timberwolves (4-12) tonight at Amway Arena. The T-Wolves are coming off a 100-90 loss at Charlotte on Monday.

Jameer Nelson may be ready to return after missing the last four games with a strained hip flexor.

Minnesota has beaten the Magic 4 of the last 5 games in Orlando. The Magic are 9 point favorites for this game.

For the complete game preview, click here

Celtics pull away in second half in rout of Magic

The Magic only had one lead in this game over Boston, and that was 2-0. The Celtics led after one quarter 28-18, as the Magic shot only 6 of 23 in the first. The Celtics extended their lead to 37-22 in the second, but then the Magic made their run as they hit 10 of 18 shots in the quarter to pull within 48-46 at the half. The Celtics took control in the third, as they led 77-65 after three. The Magic (13-5) could get only as close as 77-67 early in the fourth as the Celtics (17-2) then pulled away for a 107-88 victory, their ninth in a row.

Magic leading scorers

Rashard Lewis: 30 points (11 of 23 field goals), 5 rebounds
Hedo Turkoglu: 19 points (7 of 16 field goals), 7 rebounds
Dwight Howard: 14 points (5 of 12 field goals), 15 rebounds, 4 blocks
Tony Battie (bench): 9 points (4 of 5 field goals), 7 rebounds

Boston leading scorers

Paul Pierce: 24 points
Ray Allen: 21 points
Rajon Rondo: 16 points, 12 assists

Game Statistics

FG%: BOS 54.1% (40 of 74) ORL 42.0% (34 of 81)
3 PT FG%: BOS 46.2% (6 of 13) ORL 19.2% (5 of 26)
FT%: BOS: 87.5% (21 of 24) ORL 60% (15 of 25)
REB: BOS 43 (9 offensive) ORL 40 (16 offensive)
AST/TO: BOS 20/12 ORL 14/11
BENCH: BOS 23 ORL 15

Other game notes and stats:

-The "Big Three" of Boston (Kevin Garnett, Pierce, and Allen) combined for 60 points on 22 of 37 shooting and 12 of 14 free throw shooting with 17 rebounds
-The "Big Three" of the Magic (Howard, Lewis, and Turkoglu) combined for 63 points on 23 of 51 shooting and 14 of 21 free throw shooting with 27 rebounds
-The Magic starting guards, Redick and Johnson, combined for only ten points on 4 of 16 shooting, and 2 of 8 on threes with 7 assists
-Add in reserve Courtney Lee, and the Magic guards combined for 16 points on horrendous 7 of 25 shooting (28%)
-The Celtics' starting guards, Rondo and Allen, combined for 37 points on 14 of 23 shooting, and 3 of 7 on threes with 14 assists
-The Magic were thoroughly beaten in most statistical categories, as the Celtics outshot the Magic from the field, from three point range, and the free throw line in addition to outrebounding the Magic and having the better assist/turnover ratio
-The Magic used just a 7 man rotation, as Lee and Tony Battie were the only reserves to see action
-Turkoglu, Lewis, Johnson, and Lee combined to shoot 3 of 21 on threes
-At one time, the Magic had a 19-5 advantage at free throw attempts over the Celtics; the Celtics then got 19 of the final 25 free throw attempts
-Eight technical fouls were called in the game, five on Boston and three on the Magic

The Magic next play at home Wednesday night against Minnesota

For the complete box score, click here