In the News

Sources: Chris Paul's preferred destination is now Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic have replaced the New York Knicks as the top team on Chris Paul's wish list of destinations, according to league sources.

Lakers sign veteran swingman Barnes (AP)
Matt Barnes is going back to Los Angeles, this time to join the two-time defending NBA champion Lakers. The Lakers announced Thursday they had signed the free-agent forward. Terms were not disclosed. Barnes, a UCLA product who started 58 games last season for Orlando, said earlier this week on his Twitter page that he was headed to Toronto.

Pacers sign 2nd-round pick Stephenson (AP)
The Indiana Pacers have signed second-round draft pick Lance Stephenson to a multiyear contract. The Pacers made the announcement Thursday, but did not disclose the terms of the deal. Stephenson was the 2010 Big East Rookie of the Year at Cincinnati this past season. The 6-foot-5 guard was the Pacers' second-leading scorer in the Orlando summer league at nearly 15 points per game, and led the...

Barnes says he will join Raptors (AP)
Free-agent forward Matt Barnes says he is headed for Toronto. Barnes wrote on his Twitter page Monday that he has decided to play for the Raptors next season. He also thanked fans in Orlando, where he played last season. Barnes started 58 games for the Magic, helping them reach the Eastern Conference finals.

Magic match Bulls' offer sheet to retain Redick
Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith said Friday that the team will retain J.J. Redick. The Magic matched a $19 million, three-year offer sheet that the Chicago Bulls made for Redick.

Orlando Magic match J.J. Redick 3-year offer sheet by Chicago Bulls
Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith said Friday that the team will retain J.J. Redick.

Reports: The Orlando Magic have matched the Chicago Bulls' offer to J.J. Redick
According to reports, J.J. Redick will remain with the Orlando Magic.

Magic agree to deal with Quentin Richardson
A person familiar with the negotiations says the Orlando Magic have agreed to a deal with free agent shooting guard Quentin Richardson.

Report: Orlando Magic agree to deal with Quentin Richardson
A person familiar with the negotiations says the Orlando Magic have agreed to a deal with free agent Quentin Richardson.

Magic agree with Quentin Richardson (AP)
A person familiar with the negotiations says the Orlando Magic have agreed to a deal with free agent Quentin Richardson. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been officially announced. Terms of the contract were not immediately known. Richardson's signing means the Magic are likely parting ways with free agent small forward Matt Barnes.

Magic to consider matching Redick offer (AP)
Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith plans to take "the full seven days" to decide whether to match an offer sheet the Chicago Bulls made for restricted free agent J.J. Redick. Smith said Saturday that Redick is a "part of our team" and Orlando would "like to keep him." The Bulls reportedly signed Redick to a $19 million, three-year offer sheet.

A report indicates the Orlando Magic anticipate matching the Chicago Bulls' offer to J.J. Redick.
A report indicates the Orlando Magic anticipate matching the Bulls' offer to shooting guard J.J. Redick.

Magic GM Smith rips James' decision (AP)
A few welcoming shots at LeBron James is heating up the usually tame Sunshine State rivalry. Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith said Friday he was surprised James went to Miami because he thought the two-time MVP was "more of a competitor." He said the "great ones" do it on their own and "usually stay in one location." It was rare public criticism from the...

Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith 'thought LeBron James more of a competitor'
Magic general manager Otis Smith is adding a little more sizzle to the Sunshine State rivalry with some welcoming shots at LeBron James.

Chris Duhon says he's eager for fresh start with Magic
It was only fitting Chris Duhon officially joined the Orlando Magic on Thursday, the same day his former team has spent two-plus seasons preparing to sign a free agent.

Magic reach deal with Duhon
The Orlando Magic tried to sign Chris Duhon in free agency two years ago only to watch him go to New York.

Magic, PG Duhon agree to 4 years, $15M (AP)
The agent for Chris Duhon says the point guard has reached an agreement with the Orlando Magic for a $15 million, four-year deal. Agent Kevin Bradbury told The Associated Press on Tuesday the chance to play for a championship contender was enough to sway Duhon to the Magic. Duhon will backup starter Jameer Nelson.

Agent: Chris Duhon leaving New York Knicks to sign with Orlando Magic
Free agent point guard Chris Duhon agreed to a four year, $15 million dollar contract with the Orlando Magic, his agent, Kevin Bradbury, told ESPN.com's Chad Ford.

Magic take Stanley Robinson at 59 - Stanley Robinson (F) Orlando Magic
The Magic took forward Stanley Robinson with the second-to-last pick in the draft.

New Hornets coach plans up-tempo style
There was a twinkle in Monty Williams' eyes as he recalled all the times Doc Rivers yelled at him when they were together with the Orlando Magic. When Williams was introduced as the ninth head coach of the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday, he admitted the current Boston Celtics coach was right about one thing.

2010 NBA free agents: Matt Barnes of Orlando Magic to opt out of deal, test market
Forward Matt Barnes says he will opt out of the final year of his contract with the Orlando Magic to become a free agent.

Magic F Barnes to opt out of contract (AP)
Forward Matt Barnes says he will opt out of the final year of his contract with the Orlando Magic to become a free agent. Barnes had said for months he would likely make the move, hoping to get a long-term deal to return to Orlando. He made his intentions official Monday after the team's end-of-season meeting.

Orlando Magic GM not planning for another roster overhaul
Magic general manager Otis Smith wants to be clear: He's not looking to overhaul the roster again. Unless he does.

Magic GM says another overhaul unlikely (AP)
Magic general manager Otis Smith wants to be clear: He's not looking to overhaul the roster again. Unless he does. Smith said Monday he doesn't expect any major moves this offseason, even after failing to return to the NBA finals. He believes Orlando already has the roster to win its first championship.

Barnes says he'll opt out of Magic deal
Forward Matt Barnes says he will opt out of the final year of his contract with the Orlando Magic to become a free agent.

Magic offseason to be tougher than most (AP)
The new arena will have no championship coronation. The only thing following the Orlando Magic to the Amway Center next season will be memories of coming close. That elusive NBA title banner will not be raised on opening night. Again. A major overhaul wasn't enough to get Orlando back to the NBA finals, much less win a championship, and now the Magic will have to hope their core is enough to stay...

Celts finish off Magic in 6 to win East (AP)
The NBA's most-decorated team avoided the biggest playoff collapse in league history and earned a chance to hang an unprecedented 18th championship banner from the rafters. Paul Pierce had 31 points and 13 rebounds, and little-used backup Nate Robinson gave the Celtics a boost with 13 second-quarter points as Boston beat the Orlando Magic 96-84 on Friday night, earning a chance to play for a...

Magic fail to rally from 3 games down (AP)
No historic comeback for the Orlando Magic, no second straight trip to the NBA finals. Dwight Howard and his underachieving teammates flopped in their bid to become the league's first team to overcome a 3-0 deficit when the Boston Celtics battered them 96-84 Friday night to clinch the Eastern Conference finals in six games.

Davis, Wallace available for Game 6 (AP)
Boston's Glen "Big Baby" Davis is back in uniform for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Magic. Celtics coach Doc Rivers says Davis can play Friday night against Orlando. The Boston forward blacked out on the court with a concussion in Game 5 on Wednesday by an inadvertent elbow from Magic center Dwight Howard.

2010 NBA playoffs: Kendrick Perkins eligible for the Boston Celtics' Game 6 against the Orlando Magic after technical foul rescinded
Kendrick Perkins eligible for Game 6 after a technical foul was rescinded.

NBA rescinds Perkins 'T'; eligible to play in Game 6 against Magic
Boston's Kendrick Perkins will be eligible to play in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Orlando Magic.

Celtics' Perkins can play in Game 6 (AP)
Boston's Kendrick Perkins will be eligible to play in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Orlando Magic. The NBA said Thursday that one of the two technical fouls Perkins received in Game 5 was rescinded. That means Perkins hasn't hit the mark of seven technicals in the playoffs that would lead to an automatic suspension.

2010 NBA playoffs: Rashard Lewis of Orlando Magic says he's been playing with viral infection
Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis says he has been playing with a viral infection during the Eastern Conference finals.

Magic F Lewis has viral infection (AP)
Maybe this is why Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis has been struggling in the Eastern Conference finals: He's been playing with a viral infection. Lewis says he's been sick the "whole series" against the Boston Celtics. "Overall it effects you," he said after Orlando's shootaround Wednesday.

Magic get within 3-2, top Celtics 113-92 (AP)
Not ready to go home just yet, the only place the Orlando Magic are headed is back to Boston. Halfway to history. Taking another step toward overcoming an improbable 3-0 series deficit, Dwight Howard had 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Magic to a 113-92 victory over the Celtics on Wednesday night in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Celtics C Davis leaves with concussion (AP)
Boston center Glen Davis was diagnosed with a concussion after being shaken up late in the third quarter of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals, needing to be held up by referee Joey Crawford to keep from falling. Davis was struck in face by Orlando center Dwight Howard's elbow, tumbling to the court as play went the other way.

Celtics clash with Magic in Game 5
Can the Celtics seize the East title in Orlando?

Magic shoot down Celtics, force Game 6
Orlando scorches the nets and forces a Game 6.

Dwight Howard's Game 4 foul on Kevin Garnett upgraded to flagrant
Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard's foul on Kevin Garnett in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals has been upgraded to a flagrant-one foul.

Howard's foul on Garnett now flagrant-1 (AP)
Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard's foul on Kevin Garnett in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals has been upgraded to a flagrant-one foul. The NBA made the announcement Wednesday. Howard grabbed a rebound with 6:25 remaining in the third quarter and swung his elbow, knocking Garnett in the face.

Magic F Lewis playing with viral infection
Maybe this is why Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis has been struggling in the Eastern Conference finals: He's been playing with a viral infection.

Magic hold on in OT to avoid Celtics sweep
Jameer Nelson made back-to-back 3-pointers in overtime, Dwight Howard had 32 points and 16 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Boston Celtics 96-92 on Monday night to avoid a four-game sweep in the Eastern Conference finals.

Celtics stars falter in Game 4 loss (AP)
Rajon Rondo had one of his worst game of the playoffs. Kevin Garnett threw away a pass with 43 seconds left. Paul Pierce missed two 3-pointers after that. The Boston Celtics are returning to Orlando for a game they didn't want to play because three of their best players in the Eastern Conference finals faltered at critical moments.

Magic win at Boston in OT to avoid sweep (AP)
Put away the brooms. Hold off on those "Beat L.A!" chants. The Boston Celtics still have some work to do before they can play for their second NBA title in three years. Jameer Nelson made back-to-back 3-pointers in overtime, Dwight Howard had 32 points and 16 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Celtics 96-92 on Monday night to avoid a four-game sweep in the Eastern Conference finals.

Battered Magic on brink of elimination (AP)
From start to finish, the Orlando Magic were dominated by the Boston Celtics. It happened in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals Saturday night. And it can happen for the entire series if the Celtics complete a sweep Monday night. The team that rolled through the first two rounds against Charlotte and Atlanta without a loss was handed a 94-71 beating by the fiercely determined and energetic...

Celtics embarrass Magic to command 3-0 lead
Backup Glen "Big Baby" Davis scored 17 points and Rajon Rondo added 11 points and 12 assists on Saturday night to lead the Celtics to a 94-71 victory over the Orlando Magic and a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven East finals.

Celtics rip Magic, take 3-0 series lead (AP)
The Boston Celtics moved a win away from their second NBA finals trip in three years, and the defending Eastern Conference champions barely put up a fight. Backup Glen "Big Baby" Davis scored 17 points and Rajon Rondo added 11 points and 12 assists on Saturday night to lead the Celtics to a 94-71 victory over the Orlando Magic and a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven East finals.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett knocks down Orlando Magic's Stan Van Gundy
Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy knows what a hit from Kevin Garnett feels like.

Celtics looking to end home woes (AP)
The original Boston Garden is long gone, and so is the fear in opponents' eyes when they play the Celtics on their home floor. So don't expect the Orlando Magic to be too intimidated when they arrive for Games 3 and 4 of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals. "We've won there before, and there's no reason we can't do it again," forward Rashard Lewis said Friday...

Lewis' struggles key to Magic's 0-2 hole (AP)
There might always be pressure from the lucrative contract Rashard Lewis signed with the Orlando Magic, and his statistics through two games in the Eastern Conference finals aren't making that go away. Eleven points. Four field goals. About $18.8 million this season. The highest paid member of the Magic, Lewis' series slump is a big reason why the Magic are in an 0-2 hole entering Game 3 at...

DeRosa suspended for throwing ball at fan during Game 2
Referee Joe DeRosa has been suspended without pay for throwing a ball at a fan during halftime of an NBA playoff game in Orlando.

Referee Joe DeRosa suspended one game for throwing ball at fan
Referee Joe DeRosa has been suspended without pay for throwing a ball at a fan during halftime of an NBA playoff game in Orlando.

Ref suspended for throwing ball at fan (AP)
Referee Joe DeRosa has been suspended without pay for throwing a ball at a fan during halftime of an NBA playoff game in Orlando. DeRosa will miss the next game he would have been scheduled to work. At halftime of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals between Orlando and Boston, DeRosa was walking to the scorer's table to get the warm-up jackets for his crew.

Celtics guarding against overconfidence (AP)
Two wins away from the NBA finals, the Boston Celtics have plenty of reasons for confidence. But overconfidence? Don't count on it, no matter what Paul Pierce said. Before leaving the court after Boston took a 2-0 lead over the Orlando Magic with a 95-92 win on Tuesday night, Pierce said in a live 60-second television interview that the Celtics were coming home to close it out.

Wait for free agency is on in NBA (AP)
Doc Rivers knows his Boston Celtics aren't the NBA's biggest story right now. Take a back seat, Celtics, despite being on the cusp of another trip to the NBA finals. Same for you, defending champ Lakers. The Magic and Suns, well, they're basketball afterthoughts right now as well. Unless you're in Los Angeles, Boston, Orlando or Phoenix, the NBA's final four might almost be like a...

NBA reviewing spat between fan, ref
The NBA is investigating an incident between referee Joe DeRosa and a fan at halftime of Tuesday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals between Orlando and Boston.

NBA looking into incident between referee Joe DeRosa and fan
The NBA is investigating an incident between referee Joe DeRosa and a fan at halftime of Tuesday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals between Orlando and Boston.

Pierce's Twitter boast a hack job?
In the hours after a Game 2 win over Orlando, Paul Pierce's Twitter account lit up with a boast -- "Anybody got a BROOM?" Except the Celtics star's reps are denying he ever posted it.

Pierce, team defense carrying Celtics (AP)
Freed from the burden of trying to guard LeBron James, Paul Pierce is back to his high-scoring ways. That plus tenacious team defense have the Boston Celtics rolling in the Eastern Conference finals. They swept the first two games at the home of the Orlando Magic and now have time to rest their old bodies before Game 3 on Saturday night in Boston.

Daniels' stepfather arrested, subdued with stun gun during Game 2
The stepfather of Boston Celtics guard Marquis Daniels was arrested and subdued with a stun gun during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Orlando Magic.

Daniels' stepfather arrested at Game 2 (AP)
The stepfather of Boston Celtics guard Marquis Daniels was arrested and subdued with a stun gun during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Orlando Magic. The Orlando police report shows 55-year-old Willie L. Buie was charged with resisting arrest with violence during Tuesday night's game.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Dwight Howard of Orlando Magic won't be suspended for Game 3 over flagrant foul
The NBA will not suspend Orlando's Dwight Howard for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals for his flagrant foul in Game 2.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Paul Pierce denies tweeting about sweeping Orlando Magic
Paul Pierce denies tweet that suggested a Celtics sweep of the Magic.

Magic's frustration evident in loss (AP)
They lost their cool, then lost the game. And if that wasn't bad enough, the Orlando Magic might have just lost any realistic hope of returning to the NBA finals. With frustration evident and the season very possibly slipping away, the Magic lost Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals to the Boston Celtics 95-92 on Tuesday night, falling behind 2-0 in the best-of-seven series and putting...

NBA looking into incident between referee Joe DeRosa and fan
The NBA is investigating an incident between referee Joe DeRosa and a fan at halftime of Tuesday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals between Orlando and Boston.

Celtics hold off Magic, take 2-0 lead (AP)
The Boston Celtics might just roll back to the NBA finals if they keep this up. Paul Pierce scored 28 points, Rajon Rondo had 25 and the Boston Celtics again avoided a late collapse to take a commanding lead in the Eastern Conference finals with a 95-92 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 2 on Tuesday night.

Celtics again escape collapse to put away Magic
Paul Pierce scored 28 points, Rajon Rondo had 25 and the Boston Celtics again avoided a late collapse to take a commanding lead in the Eastern Conference finals with a 95-92 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.

Celtics play Magic in Game 2
KG and the Celtics try for another win in Orlando.

Celtics leave Orlando with 2-0 lead
Rondo and the Celtics seize command with second win in Orlando.

Slow start costs Orlando Magic dearly in Game 1 of Eastern Conference finals
Unbeatable in the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Orlando Magic apparently lost their rhythm somewhere before the start of the Eastern Conference finals.

Celtics hold off Magic rally, win Game 1 (AP)
The Orlando Magic finally met their match in the playoffs. Ray Allen scored 25 points, Paul Pierce had 22 and the Boston Celtics used smothering defense to beat the Magic 92-88 on Sunday in the Eastern Conference finals opener. Rasheed Wallace added 13 points as the Celtics built a 20-point lead, then held on late to snap Orlando's 14-game winning streak.

Magic start slow in first playoff loss (AP)
Unbeatable in the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Orlando Magic apparently lost their rhythm somewhere before the start of the Eastern Conference finals. Just like that, their road back to the NBA finals has gotten considerably tougher. Showing the rust from nearly a week off -- or from barely being challenged by Charlotte and Atlanta in the first two postseason rounds -- the Magic never...

Celtics try to give Magic the Cavs treatment
Boston bounced Cleveland, but Orlando has been perfect in playoffs

Magic's Barnes to start Game 1 despite ailing back
Orlando Magic forward Matt Barnes will start against the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals despite recent back spasms.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Matt Barnes of Orlando Magic to start vs. Boston Celtics despite back spasms
Orlando Magic forward Matt Barnes will start against the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals despite recent back spasms.

Healthy Celts face playoff-perfect Magic (AP)
Magic coach Stan Van Gundy was watching Boston blow past Cleveland in the last round and thought it was some sort of replay from the Celtics' 2008 NBA title run. These days, it might be hard to tell. The resurgent Celtics are healthy again and looking to take down the playoff-perfect Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference finals starting Sunday.

Orlando Magic's Matt Barnes expects to start with ailing back
Magic forward Matt Barnes has missed practice because of back spasms but expects to start in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against Boston.

Hawks fire coach Woodson after 6 seasons (AP)
Mike Woodson is out as coach of the Atlanta Hawks after the team was swept in the second round of the playoffs by the Orlando Magic. General manager Rick Sund said Friday the team will not offer Woodson a new contract. He coached the Hawks for six seasons, and they improved their record every year after managing just 13 wins in his debut.

Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy rips critics of Cleveland Cavaliers and coach Mike Brown
Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy rips critics of Cleveland Cavaliers and coach Mike Brown.

Lewis overcomes suspension to lead Magic (AP)
It might have seemed a little odd on the eve of the Orlando Magic's training camp when Rashard Lewis delivered a message to teammates about "sacrifice" and "unselfishness." After all, it was Lewis, the Magic's highest-paid player, who was suspended 10 games for testing positive for an elevated testosterone level.

Magic finish off second straight sweep (AP)
Team Sweep has more time to do some housecleaning. Waiting around for their next opponent again, about the only questions the playoff-perfect Orlando Magic face are when and where they'll begin the Eastern Conference finals. Fourteen straight wins -- including 8-0 in the postseason -- have left the Magic beaming with confidence ahead of another lengthy layoff.

Magic sweep away Hawks in fourth straight rout
The Orlando Magic are playing like a team that will settle for nothing less than its first NBA championship.

Magic finish off second straight sweep (AP)
The Orlando Magic are playing like a team that will settle for nothing less than its first NBA championship. Vince Carter scored 22 points to lead another dominating performance by the Magic, which finished off its second straight playoff sweep with a 98-84 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night.

Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy rips the Chicago Bulls for their handling of Vinny Del Negro
Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy rips the Chicago Bulls for their handling of Vinny Del Negro.

Magic blow out Hawks again, lead 3-0 (AP)
Orlando keeps on winning, even when Dwight Howard doesn't stand out. One more Magic victory will finish off the Atlanta Hawks. Rashard Lewis scored 22 points and the backups helped Orlando pull away early with Howard on the bench as the Magic romped to another playoff blowout, moving to the brink of their second straight sweep with a 105-75 victory over the Hawks on Saturday.

Magic manhandle Hawks to close in on sweep
Rashard Lewis scored 22 points and the backups helped Orlando pull away early with Howard on the bench as the Magic romped to another playoff blowout, moving to the brink of their second straight sweep with a 105-75 victory over the Hawks on Saturday.

Hawks need 'perfect game' to beat Magic (AP)
Excuse the Orlando Magic if they have trouble remembering the last time they lost a game. The Magic has gone more than a month since their last defeat, a 112-100 setback at San Antonio on April 2. Orlando has won 12 straight since then, the last six of those in the playoffs. After sweeping Charlotte in the opening round, the Magic has a 2-0 lead on the Hawks as the series shifts to Atlanta for the...

Howard helps Magic go up 2-0 on Hawks (AP)
Maybe all the Orlando Magic needed after a slow start was a slap in the face. Dwight Howard came back from a bloody nose to finish with 29 points and 17 rebounds, and the Magic beat the Atlanta Hawks 112-98 on Thursday night to take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series. Vince Carter had 24 points with some big shots late and Rashard Lewis finished with 20 points, leading...

All-NBA Team: LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade
Two-time league MVP LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers, defensive player of the year Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers were unanimous selections to the All-NBA First Team announced Thursday.

5 straight all-defensive teams for Kobe (AP)
Kobe Bryant is on the NBA all-defensive first team for the fifth straight year. Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo made the first team for the first time, earning the second-most points behind the league's defensive player of the year, Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard. Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace also made the team for the first time, with the Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James...

Report: NBA All-Star Game to Orlando in 2012
Two people familiar with the decision say the NBA All-Star game will be held in Orlando in 2012 at the Magic's new arena. It will be the second time Orlando has hosted the game.

Report: Orlando gets '12 All-Star game
Two people familiar with the decision say the NBA All-Star game will be held in Orlando in 2012 at the Magic's new arena. It will be the second time Orlando has hosted the game.

Orlando gets 2012 All-Star game
Two people familiar with the decision say the NBA All-Star game will be held in Orlando in 2012 at the Magic's new arena. It will be the second time Orlando has hosted the game.

Orlando to host 2012 All-Star game (AP)
Two people familiar with the decision say the NBA All-Star game will be held in Orlando in 2012 at the Magic's new arena. It will be the second time Orlando has hosted the game. Those familiar with the matter spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the league has not released the information.

Magic not rusty in 43-point victory over Hawks
The Orlando Magic showed they could survive with Dwight Howard in chronic foul trouble. With him on the floor, they looked dominant.

Howard helps Magic rout Hawks 114-71 (AP)
The Orlando Magic showed they could survive with Dwight Howard in chronic foul trouble. With him on the floor, they were dominant. Howard had 21 points and 12 rebounds in one of the most crushing playoff wins in Magic history, a 114-71 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal.

Pietrus hopes to play after spraining ankle
Orlando Magic forward Mickael Pietrus expects to play in the second-round series opener against Atlanta after missing practice with a sprained left ankle.

Orlando Magic forward Mickael Pietrus plans to play with sprained ankle
Orlando Magic forward Mickael Pietrus expects to play in the second-round series opener against Atlanta after missing practice with a sprained left ankle.

Magic F Pietrus expects to play Game 1 (AP)
Orlando Magic forward Mickael Pietrus expects to play in the second-round series opener against Atlanta after missing practice with a sprained left ankle. Pietrus sat out Monday after he sprained the ankle a day earlier in practice. But he said he would play Tuesday night in Game 1 against the Hawks, even if the ankle is a sore.

Rested Magic ready to take on Hawks (AP)
There has been no crowd for the games the Orlando Magic have been playing lately. No officials. No true opponent. Not even a clock. "That's the worst part," guard Vince Carter said. "You wish there was a clock up there and you could see it tick down. It's not. There's not even a score.

Film moves Howard to fix foul problems (AP)
Dwight Howard was looking for some guidance to overcome his chronic foul trouble in the playoffs, and he found it in a movie. The Orlando Magic's All-Star center, an avid film buff, was encouraged by a friend this week to take note of the message in the "Peaceful Warrior." Howard came away from the film inspired, calling it "one of the best experiences I've ever had."...

Magic' Howard fined for criticizing refs (AP)
Even on a day off, Dwight Howard can antagonize officials enough to draw a penalty. The Orlando Magic center was fined $35,000 by the NBA on Wednesday for criticizing officials on his blog, the second time this season he's been penalized for posting such comments. Howard was in chronic foul trouble and constantly complaining about officiating in the Magic's series sweep over Charlotte.

Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard fined $35K for blog comments
Magic center Dwight Howard has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for criticizing officials on his blog.

Magic teammates mock Howard with new nickname
Orlando teammates have coined a new nickname for Magic center Dwight Howard: Foul on You.

Magic sweep Cats despite Howard's foul trouble
Dwight Howard kept collecting fouls, and all the Orlando Magic did was become the first team to advance in the NBA playoffs.

Magic complete sweep of Bobcats (AP)
Dwight Howard kept collecting fouls, and all the Orlando Magic did was become the first team to advance in the NBA playoffs. Vince Carter scored 21 points, Jameer Nelson added 18 and the Magic showcased their depth and pressure shot-making in a 99-90 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Monday night to complete a sweep of their first-round series.

Magic complete sweep of Bobcats
Orlando completes the only sweep of the first round.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard teased as "Foul On You"
Dwight Howard is taking some teasing from his Orlando Magic teammates, stemming from the four-time All-Star being called for 16 fouls in the first three games against the Charlotte Bobcats, who have used three centers to frustrate him.

Foul-plagued Howard, Magic seek sweep (AP)
Dwight Howard was the last player off the practice court Sunday, then went straight to the locker room for a personalized film session. The featured attraction for the Orlando center: A collage of his elbows and shoves that have put him in permanent foul trouble in the Magic's first-round playoff series against Charlotte.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Orlando Magic's Rashard Lewis playing in Game 3 with sore ankle
Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis will play against the Charlotte Bobcats in Game 3 of their playoff series despite a sore left ankle.

Magic F Lewis will play with sore ankle (AP)
Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis will play against the Charlotte Bobcats in Game 3 of their playoff series despite a sore left ankle. Coach Stan Van Gundy said before Saturday's game that Lewis was "not feeling great," but was well enough to play. Lewis came down awkwardly on his ankle in Wednesday's win over the Bobcats.

Magic fend off Bobcats for 3-0 lead
With their superstar center stuck on the bench again, the Orlando Magic showed the depth, grit and experience of a championship contender.

Magic hold off Bobcats, take 3-0 lead (AP)
With their superstar center stuck on the bench again, the Orlando Magic showed the depth, grit and experience of a championship contender. Jameer Nelson scored 32 points and the Magic overcame Dwight Howard's continuing foul trouble and a loud, towel-waving crowd in Charlotte's return to the playoff stage to beat the Bobcats 90-86 on Saturday, taking a commanding 3-0 lead in their...

To NBA commissioner Davis Stern's delight, Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy done talking about officials
Magic coach Stan Van Gundy vowed to stop talking about the officials. The declaration left NBA commissioner David Stern with a smile.

Van Gundy vows to stop criticizing refs (AP)
Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy vowed to stop talking about the officials. The declaration left NBA commissioner David Stern with a smile. The give-and-take between the two continued before Game 3 of the Magic's first-round playoff series at Charlotte on Saturday. Stern was in attendance two days after the league fined Van Gundy $35,000 for criticizing the referees about the number of fouls...

Orlando Magic's Rashard Lewis: OK for Game 3 despite left ankle
Magic forward Rashard Lewis has a sprained left ankle but says he should be fine for Game 3 against Charlotte on Saturday.

Magic F Lewis should play despite ankle (AP)
Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis has a sprained left ankle but says he should be fine for Game 3 against Charlotte on Saturday. Lewis had a wrap around the ankle after practicing Friday. He says he came down sideways on the ankle in Game 2 against the Bobcats. Lewis stayed in the game and didn't show any effects from the injury.

Stern warning: Stop griping about refs (AP)
NBA commissioner David Stern is tired of coaches and players griping about the officiating, and challenged them Thursday to "make my day" by continuing to complain during the rest of the playoffs. The league handed out fines of $35,000 apiece on Thursday to Boston Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace, Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy and Orlando forward Matt Barnes for publicly criticizing...

Van Gundy, Barnes each fined $35,000 (AP)
The NBA fined Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy and forward Matt Barnes $35,000 each Thursday for publicly criticizing officials. Van Gundy and Barnes said after the Magic beat Charlotte on Wednesday night that they were not happy with the way officials called the game on Dwight Howard. Orlando's All-Star center has been in foul trouble the first two games of the series.

Offensive woes put Bobcats in 0-2 hole (AP)
The extra practice didn't help the Bobcats. Coach Larry Brown's motivational speech on Orlando taking a day off while they worked failed, too. So maybe it was a good idea Charlotte took the day off Thursday. Perhaps some time away will help the Bobcats solve the riddle of putting the ball through the hoop when they return home for Game 3 on Saturday.

Magic hold court in 2nd half for win vs. Bobcats
Vince Carter finished with 19 points, Dwight Howard scored 15 and the Orlando Magic took a 2-0 series lead with a 92-77 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night.

Magic top Bobcats for 2-0 series lead (AP)
The Dwight Howard-Vince Carter combo again wasn't perfect -- just good enough to win. Carter finished with 19 points, Howard scored 15 and the Orlando Magic took a 2-0 series lead with a 92-77 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night. The Magic's star duo was less than stellar but took over when it counted most.

Van Gundy: Playoffs need fewer days off (AP)
Stan Van Gundy has a request for the NBA: fewer days between games in the playoffs. Never one to shy away from giving his opinion, the Orlando Magic coach said Wednesday before Game 2 against Charlotte that the league's first-round playoff format that spreads games out for prime-time television is difficult on teams.

Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy: Playoffs should have fewer days off
Stan Van Gundy has a request for the NBA: fewer days off between games in the playoffs.

Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard wins second defensive player of year award
Dwight Howard has won his second straight NBA defensive player of the year award after becoming the only player to lead the league in blocks and rebounds in the same season twice -- let alone in consecutive years.

Howard NBA's top defensive player again (AP)
Dwight Howard has won his second straight NBA defensive player of the year award after becoming the only player to lead the league in blocks and rebounds in the same season twice -- let alone in consecutive years. Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy and players confirmed the All-Star center will accept the award at a news conference Tuesday at 2 p.m.

Magic survive Bobcats despite struggling late
Jameer Nelson scored 24 of his 32 points in the first half, and the Orlando Magic nearly blew a 22-point lead before beating the Charlotte Bobcats 98-89 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series Sunday.

Magic build big lead, hold off Bobcats (AP)
Jameer Nelson scored 24 of his 32 points in the first half, and the Orlando Magic nearly blew a 22-point lead before beating the Charlotte Bobcats 98-89 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series Sunday. Rashard Lewis added 19 points, and Dwight Howard had nine blocks but was limited offensively and in foul trouble for most of the second half.

Charlotte Bobcats' Stephen Jackson carried off with knee injury
Charlotte Bobcats swingman Stephen Jackson was carried off the floor with an apparent left knee injury in Game 1 against the Orlando Magic.

Bobcats' Jackson carried off vs. Magic (AP)
Charlotte Bobcats swingman Stephen Jackson was carried off the floor with an apparent left knee injury in Game 1 against the Orlando Magic. Teammate Gerald Wallace dove for a loose ball and collided with Jackson, who laid on the floor in pain as Orlando's Jameer Nelson hit a 3-pointer at the first-half buzzer Sunday.

Magic, Bobcats in friendly, fiery series (AP)
Matt Barnes sent the playful, trash-talking text messages and voice mails for a week until finally getting a call back from Stephen Jackson. The two shared a laugh, caught up and made plans to hang out in Orlando until Sunday evening. Then their friendship will be put on hold. "We know once that game starts," Jackson said, "we're going to play like we don't know each...

Magic GM not afraid to take chances (AP)
Otis Smith pulls back on the accelerator and the motorcycle roars. The wind pushes against his face, any stresses fading in the rearview mirror. Nothing but the open road ahead. Riding motorcycles is a hobby of the Orlando Magic's general manager, a ritual of sorts when big decisions await. Sure, it's dangerous.

Cavs, Magic, Lakers open as favorites (AP)
Maybe Kobe Bryant is too beaten up to last through three playoff rounds against the rest of the West. Perhaps the aging Boston Celtics do have one more run in them, or the Atlanta Hawks are ready to take the next step. Sure, it's easy to think this year's NBA champion will be LeBron James and Cleveland, Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, or the Orlando Magic.

Magic set single-season mark with 841 3s (AP)
Jameer Nelson had 21 points, Vince Carter scored 17 and the Orlando Magic broke the single-season record for 3-pointers made in their 125-111 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. Dwight Howard added 15 points and 12 rebounds to help the Magic finish with 841 from beyond the arc, the NBA's second-best record and close the last regular-season game at Amway Arena in style.

Magic set NBA season record for 3s (AP)
The Orlando Magic have set a record for most 3-pointers in a single season. Vince Carter made the Magic's 838th shot from beyond the arc Wednesday night just before halftime against the Philadelphia 76ers. That surpasses the mark of 837 set by the 2005-06 Phoenix Suns. Carter's shot from the corner just in front of the Magic's bench came with 20.9 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

76ers' Jordan not worried about rumors (AP)
Philadelphia 76ers coach Eddie Jordan said he's "not concerned" about his job security and doesn't have any planned meetings with front-office personnel about his status. The Sixers entered the season finale at Orlando on Wednesday night with a 27-54 record. Jordan said the only things he anticipates Thursday are a team meeting, individual exit meetings and taking his staff out to...

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard starts fund for at-risk children around world
Dwight Howard has started a fund for at-risk children around the world, beginning with a $100,000 donation for young earthquake victims in Haiti.

Magic's Howard donates $100K for Haiti (AP)
Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard has started a fund for at-risk children around the world, beginning with a $100,000 donation for young earthquake victims in Haiti. The Magic's All-Star center and teammate Adonal Foyle formed the "The Dwight Howard Fund" announced Wednesday. Howard has tapped Foyle's Kerosene Lamp Foundation to manage the fund for him.

Magic to say farewell to Amway Arena (AP)
There are no NBA championship banners hanging from the rafters. No lasting pre-game traditions, no spectacular gadgets or gizmos. Just Magic memories. After 21 seasons as the only home the Orlando Magic have ever known, Amway Arena's run is almost over. Orlando hosts the Philadelphia 76ers in the last regular-season game Wednesday night in a place that housed two NBA finals and plenty of historic...

Carter leads Magic to fifth straight win (AP)
The Orlando Magic are finishing the regular season with a kick. Vince Carter scored 21 points to help Orlando beat the Indiana Pacers 118-98 on Monday night for their fifth straight win. Jameer Nelson had 15 points, eight assists and seven rebounds and Rashard Lewis scored 14 points for the Magic. Matt Barnes had 13 points and 11 rebounds and Dwight Howard added 12 points and 11 rebounds for...

Cavs' James sits out third straight game (AP)
LeBron James missed his third straight game for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are putting rest ahead of their record as the NBA playoffs near. Coach Mike Brown decided to sit James and starting forward Anthony Parker for the team's regular-season home finale Sunday against the Orlando Magic. Brown also might keep James out of the lineup Wednesday night when the Cavs close their regular season at...

LeBron James of Cleveland Cavaliers sitting for third straight game vs. Orlando Magic
LeBron James is missing his third straight game for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are putting rest ahead of their record as the NBA playoffs near.

Magic C Gortat honors Polish president (AP)
Orlando Magic center Marcin Gortat of Poland is paying tribute to his homeland's president, who was killed along with 95 others in a plane crash in Russia. Gortat's father knew President Lech Kaczynski. Gortat wrote the number of the fatal flight on his sneakers before the Magic played the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.

Magic beat James-less Cavaliers 98-92 (AP)
Mickael Pietrus scored all 12 of his points in the fourth quarter and Jameer Nelson hit a big 3-pointer in the closing minutes, leading the Orlando Magic to a 98-92 win Sunday over the Cleveland Cavaliers, who rested LeBron James for the playoffs Pietrus was a matchup nightmare in the playoffs last season for Cleveland, averaging 13.9 points in the Eastern Conference finals when the Magic beat...

With LeBron resting, Nelson, Magic edge Cavs
Mickael Pietrus scored all 12 of his points in the fourth quarter and Jameer Nelson hit a big 3-pointer in the closing minutes, leading the Orlando Magic to a 98-92 win Sunday over the Cleveland Cavaliers, who rested LeBron James for the playoffs.

Magic prep for Cavs by ripping Knicks (AP)
Dwight Howard and Vince Carter scored 25 points apiece, and the Orlando Magic tuned up for the playoffs with a 118-103 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night. Reserve Ryan Anderson added 19 points to help the Magic build a 24-point lead and hold on for their 17th win in their last 20 games.

Brown may keep James out for season (AP)
LeBron James' regular season could be over. James was one of four starters missing for Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. With home-court advantage already clinched throughout the playoffs, coach Mike Brown didn't rule out his healthy superstar also sitting against Orlando on Sunday and Atlanta on Wednesday.

Magic easily roll past Wizards 121-94 (AP)
Dwight Howard had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Washington Wizards 121-94 on Wednesday night. J.J. Redick and Mickael Pietrus added 16 points apiece to pull Orlando within a half-game of the idle Los Angeles Lakers for home-court advantage in case of a possible NBA finals rematch, the only thing really left at stake for the Magic.

Magic cruise closer to Southeast title, 2nd seed
Vince Carter had 26 points and seven rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Memphis Grizzles 107-92 Sunday night after an on-court scuffle.

Scuffle mars Magic win over Grizzlies (AP)
Vince Carter had 26 points and seven rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Memphis Grizzles 107-92 Sunday night after an on-court scuffle. The scrum between Matt Barnes and Hasheem Thabeet escalated into a near 10-player shoving match. There were six technical fouls by game's end, plenty of pop for an Easter matchup that had little meaning in the standings.

Shoving match between Hasheem Thabeet, Matt Barnes causes scuffle between Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic
A game between the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies broke out into a scuffle.

Tempers flare between Magic, Grizzlies (AP)
A game between the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies broke out into a scuffle. Matt Barnes was called for an offensive foul for pushing off on Memphis center Hasheem Thabeet with 6:54 remaining in the third quarter Sunday. Barnes got up to protest the call and bumped Thabeet, who shoved Barnes, who came back with an even harder push square in the center's chest.

Ginobili's 43 help Spurs outlast Magic (AP)
Manu Ginobili scored 43 points, his fourth 30-plus game since replacing Tony Parker in the starting lineup last month, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 112-100 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night. Tim Duncan had 23 points and the Spurs temporarily pulled themselves out of the last playoff seed in the West, where San Antonio is bunched up with Portland and Oklahoma City in a race to...

Ginobili's 43 improve Spurs' playoff positioning
Manu Ginobili scored 43 points, his fourth 30-plus game since replacing Tony Parker in the starting lineup last month, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 112-100 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night.

Howard dominates inside as Magic down Mavs
Dwight Howard dominated inside with 17 points, 20 rebounds and five blocked shots, and his Orlando teammates converted 14 of 24 attempts from 3-point range as the Magic atoned for an earlier loss to Dallas with a 97-82 victory over the Mavericks.

Howard leads Magic to victory in Dallas (AP)
Dwight Howard dominated inside with 17 points, 20 rebounds and five blocked shots, and his Orlando teammates converted 14 of 24 attempts from 3-point range as the Magic atoned for an earlier loss to Dallas with a 97-82 victory over the Mavericks on Thursday night. Reserve Mickael Pietrus had 24 points, making all six of his 3-point attempts, and Vince Carter added 19 points to help the Magic win...

Carter hurts toe but Magic beat Nuggets (AP)
J.J. Redick had 23 points and career highs of eight assists and seven rebounds in place of an injured Vince Carter, helping the Orlando Magic beat the Denver Nuggets 103-97 on Sunday night. Redick was 8-for-15 shooting and played a career-high 46 minutes after Carter sprained his right big toe. The Magic also got a big boost with 19 points from reserve Ryan Anderson for their 13th win in the last 15...

Vince Carter of Orlando Magic sidelined with sprained toe, questionable to return
Orlando Magic guard Vince Carter has been sidelined with a sprained right big toe.

Howard's 24 and 19 power Magic by Wolves (AP)
Dwight Howard had 24 points and 19 rebounds, reserve forward Ryan Anderson added 19 points and nine boards, and the Orlando Magic handed the Minnesota Timberwolves their 15th straight loss, 106-97 on Friday night. J.J. Redick scored 14 points and Vince Carter had 13 as the Magic swept the season series.

Hot Hawks clinch third straight trip to playoffs
Josh Smith swooped in to slam through Joe Johnson's missed shot just ahead of the buzzer and the Atlanta Hawks finally beat the Orlando Magic, clinching a third straight trip to the playoffs with an 86-84 victory Wednesday night.

Smith dunk at buzzer gets Hawks by Magic (AP)
Josh Smith swooped in to slam through Joe Johnson's missed shot just ahead of the buzzer and the Atlanta Hawks finally beat the Orlando Magic, clinching a third straight trip to the playoffs with an 86-84 victory Wednesday night. The Hawks bounced back from an early 15-2 deficit and overcame going 8:45 in the fourth quarter without a field goal against a division rival that had routed them...

Magic dazzle Sixers for 3rd straight 50-win year
Rashard Lewis scored 24 points, Dwight Howard added 23 points and 15 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic notched their third straight 50-win season with a 109-93 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.

Surging Magic beat 76ers for 50th win (AP)
Getting to 50 wins is becoming quite routine for the Orlando Magic. Actually, it's a first for Vince Carter. But the 12-year veteran guard has larger goals. Rashard Lewis scored 24 points, Dwight Howard added 23 points and 15 rebounds, and the Magic notched their third straight 50-win season with a 109-93 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.

Magic waste lead, then beat Heat in OT (AP)
Vince Carter scored 27 points, Rashard Lewis added 24 including a huge 3-pointer with 28.4 seconds left, and the Orlando Magic blew a 12-point lead in the final 5 minutes of regulation before beating the Miami Heat 108-102 in overtime Thursday night. Jameer Nelson scored 15, Matt Barnes finished with 13 and Dwight Howard had 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Magic, who've won 10 of their last...

Magic top Heat in OT after wasting 12-point lead
Vince Carter scored 27 points, Rashard Lewis added 24 including a huge 3-pointer with 28.4 seconds left, and the Orlando Magic blew a 12-point lead in the final 5 minutes of regulation before beating the Miami Heat 108-102 in overtime Thursday night.

Carter drops 24 points on Spurs to fuel Magic
Vince Carter had 24 points and eight assists, and the Orlando Magic smothered Tim Duncan defensively to beat the San Antonio Spurs 110-84 on Wednesday night.

Magic smother Duncan, beat Spurs 110-84 (AP)
Tim Duncan sat stiff and stared aimlessly on the bench watching his San Antonio Spurs get blown away in the final minutes. His movement wasn't much better on the court. The Orlando Magic made sure of that. Vince Carter had 24 points and eight assists, and the Magic smothered Duncan to beat San Antonio 110-84 on Wednesday night.

Bobcats top Magic for sixth straight win (AP)
The last time Charlotte came to Orlando, Stephen Jackson was suiting up for his first game since being traded to the Bobcats and predicting his new team would make the playoffs. Such a statement might have seemed laughable back in November. Now, Jackson seems to have Charlotte headed for its first postseason berth in franchise history.

Bobcats top Magic for 6th win in row
Stephen Jackson scored 28 points, Raymond Felton had 16 and the Charlotte Bobcats held on for their sixth straight victory, 96-89 over the Orlando Magic on Sunday night.

Bobcats continue run to stop Magic's win streak
Stephen Jackson scored 28 points, Raymond Felton had 16 and the Charlotte Bobcats held on for their sixth straight victory, 96-89 over the Orlando Magic on Sunday night.

Orlando Magic forward Matt Barnes out with sprained big toe
Orlando small forward Matt Barnes will miss the Magic's game against the Charlotte Bobcats on Sunday with a sprained left big toe.

Magic F Barnes out with sprained toe (AP)
Orlando small forward Matt Barnes will miss the Magic's game against the Charlotte Bobcats on Sunday with a sprained left big toe. Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said he expects Barnes to be back when they host San Antonio on Wednesday. Barnes injured the toe in a win at Washington on Saturday. The Bobcats were also missing a starter.

Howard dominates as Magic ware down Wizards
Dwight Howard had 28 points and 15 rebounds, and the streaking Orlando Magic wore down the back-to-back-to-back Washington Wizards 109-95 Saturday night.

Howard's 28 and 15 help Magic cruise (AP)
Dwight Howard had 28 points and 15 rebounds, and the streaking Orlando Magic wore down the back-to-back-to-back Washington Wizards 109-95 Saturday night. Howard became a one-man show early in the second half, and he and Jameer Nelson made the alley-oop look routine as the Magic won their eighth straight game, the franchise's longest winning streak since April 2006.

Bucks keep rolling, beat Jazz 95-87 (AP)
Ersan Ilyasova scored on a putback with 27.2 seconds remaining for the lead and the Milwaukee Bucks knocked off yet another NBA powerhouse, holding on to beat the Utah Jazz 95-87 on Friday. John Salmons had 24 points and Brandon Jennings added 23 for the Bucks, who have won five straight games and 11 of their last 12 -- including home wins over Eastern Conference powerhouses Cleveland and Orlando...

Injured Bulls PG Rose out vs. Heat (AP)
Chicago point guard Derrick Rose has been ruled out of the Bulls' game Friday night against the Miami Heat with a sprained left wrist. Rose was injured Thursday in the Bulls' loss at Orlando, after colliding with Magic center Dwight Howard. The Bulls say tests performed Friday confirmed the sprain, but showed no breaks or ligament damage.

Rose sprains wrist, Bulls lose to Magic (AP)
Vince Carter had 23 points to help the Orlando Magic pull away early and cruise past the injured Chicago Bulls, 111-82 on Thursday night for a season-high seventh straight win. Matt Barnes added 14 points, and reserve Brandon Bass scored 13 in another blowout victory against a struggling team for the Magic.

Magic cruise past Bulls for seventh straight win
Vince Carter had 23 points to help the Orlando Magic pull away early and cruise past the injured Chicago Bulls, 111-82 on Thursday night for a season-high seventh straight win.

Rose leaves Magic game to have hand/wrist evaluated
Bulls guard Derrick Rose has left Thursday's game against the Orlando Magic to have his hand examined

Bulls forward Luol Deng out vs. Orlando Magic with strained calf
Bulls forward Luol Deng will miss Thursday's game against the Magic due to a strained calf

Howard leads Magic to sixth straight win (AP)

Dwight Howard had 22 points and 15 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic rolled past the Los Angeles Clippers, 113-87 on Tuesday night to tie a season high with their sixth straight victory. Jameer Nelson had 17 points and Rashard Lewis added 15 to help the Magic take a 26-point halftime lead and cruise to a blowout after beating the Lakers in an NBA finals rematch Sunday.

Kobe Bryant feeling ill, but expected to play vs. Magic
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has a stomach illness but is expected to play against the Orlando Magic.

Bryant ill, but will play against Magic (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has a stomach illness but is expected to play against the Orlando Magic. Lakers coach Phil Jackson said before Sunday's game that Bryant would likely play despite being a little late to the game because of the illness. Bryant was not in the locker room while it was open to the media.

Magic deal Lakers 3rd straight loss
Lakers test Magic, but Orlando gets passing grade in rematch.

Magic send Lakers to third straight loss (AP)

Vince Carter had 25 points, Dwight Howard finished with 15 points and 16 rebounds and the Orlando Magic beat the Lakers 96-94 on Sunday to hand Los Angeles its first three-game losing streak of the Pau Gasol-Kobe Bryant Era. Carter made his first 13 free throws and kept the Magic in control, showing signs of why Orlando made the move for the eight-time All-Star after losing to the Lakers in last...

Magic survive to hand Lakers third straight loss
Vince Carter had 25 points, Dwight Howard finished with 15 points and 16 rebounds and the Orlando Magic beat the Lakers 96-94 on Sunday to hand Los Angeles its first three-game losing streak of the Pau Gasol-Kobe Bryant Era.

Barnes leads balanced Magic past Nets (AP)

Matt Barnes scored 14 of his 16 points in the first quarter when Orlando opened a double-digit lead and the Magic won their fourth straight, 97-87 over the New Jersey Nets on Friday night. Vince Carter scored 11 of his 13 points in the second half, Dwight Howard added 11 points and 16 rebounds and the Magic hit 13 3-pointers in beating the Nets for the third time this season.

Magic rip 8-man Warriors 117-90 (AP)

Dwight Howard had 28 points and 12 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic cruised to a 117-90 victory over the undermanned Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. Rashard Lewis added 17 points, and Vince Carter finished with 15 points to help the Magic win for the fifth time in six games and keep a tight grip on the Eastern Conference's No.

Howard double-double pushes Magic to big win
Dwight Howard had 28 points and 12 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic cruised to a 117-90 victory over the undermanned Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night.

Nets offer fans free income tax returns (AP)
The struggling New Jersey Nets have come up with another gimmick to sell tickets during a season in which they've won only six games. This time, they're giving fans a different return on their money -- a tax return. The Nets have combined with Roni Deutch Tax Center to offer a free New Jersey income tax return to state residents 18 years and older who attend their game against the Orlando...

Nelson's 22 and 10 lift Magic over 76ers (AP)

Jameer Nelson had 22 points and 10 assists, and the Orlando Magic beat the Philadelphia 76ers 126-105 on Monday night. All five starters scored at least 14 points for the Magic. They reached the 100-point mark late in the third quarter and kept the pressure on in the fourth to match their highest point total of the season.

Magic score high-scoring victory over Sixers
Jameer Nelson had 22 points and 10 assists, and the Orlando Magic beat the Philadelphia 76ers 126-105 on Monday night.

Wade returns; Heat extend skid in loss to Magic
Rashard Lewis had 22 points, and Vince Carter added 17 to help the Orlando Magic overcame Dwight Howard's sub-par game in a 96-80 victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday night.

Magic roll past Heat in Wade's return (AP)

Rashard Lewis had 22 points, and Vince Carter added 17 to help the Orlando Magic overcame Dwight Howard's sub-par game in a 96-80 victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday night. Howard, who had 20 straight double-doubles, was in foul trouble most of the game and finished with seven points and five rebounds in 24 minutes.

Hornets muscle Magic behind West's 40 points
David West scored 40 points and the New Orleans Hornets erased an 18-point deficit in the second half to beat the Orlando Magic 100-93 on Friday night.

Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade inactive for fourth straight game with injured calf
Dwyane Wade is out for the fourth consecutive game because of a strained left calf, and Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra says his All-Star guard is doubtful for Sunday's game at Orlando.

West's 40 help Hornets rally past Magic (AP)

David West scored 40 points and the New Orleans Hornets erased an 18-point deficit in the second half to beat the Orlando Magic 100-93 on Friday night. Marcus Thornton scored 18, including a 3-pointer that made it 96-86 with 51 seconds to go. Fellow rookie Darren Collison added 16 points. Dwight Howard led Orlando with 26, but scored only five points and only one of his eight dunks came after...

Howard tops Shaq's mark en route to Magic win
Dwight Howard had 30 points and 16 rebounds on a perfect shooting night to help the Orlando Magic cruise to a 110-92 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

Howard has 30 and 16 as Magic cruise (AP)

Dwight Howard had 30 points and 16 rebounds on a perfect shooting night to help the Orlando Magic cruise to a 110-92 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Howard scored all of his points in the last three quarters after sitting out all but 22 seconds of the first period after committing two quick fouls.

Magic send Cavs to third straight loss (AP)

Dwight Howard had 22 points and 16 rebounds in a bruising battle with Shaquille O'Neal, and the Orlando Magic beat Cleveland 101-95 on Sunday for the Cavaliers' first three-game losing streak in two years. Cleveland's skid comes on the heels of a 13-game win streak. Howard was 8-for-13 shooting and added four blocks, and Vince Carter had eight of his 11 points in the fourth quarter to...

Howard outduels Shaq as Magic edge Cavs
Dwight Howard had 22 points and 16 rebounds in a bruising battle with Shaquille O'Neal, and the Orlando Magic beat Cleveland 101-95 on Sunday for the Cavaliers' first three-game losing streak in two years.

Cavs' moves change matchups with Magic (AP)
Dwight Howard was walking around the Orlando Magic locker room when he saw the latest trade by Cleveland flash across the TV. Scared? Hardly. Nervous? Didn't seem so. He broke into his infamous Charles Barkley impression to explain. "The Cleveland Cavaliers got Antawn Jamison to matchup with Rashard Lewis and the Orlando Magic," Howard said, drawing chuckles as he mimicked Barkley's...

New-look Mavericks use defense to down Magic
Dirk Nowitzki scored 23 points and the Dallas Mavericks rode a surprisingly strong defensive effort to beat the Orlando Magic 95-85 on Friday night.

Mavs take down Magic in Orlando


Nowitzki, defense lead Mavs past Magic (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 23 points and the Dallas Mavericks rode a surprisingly strong defensive effort to beat the Orlando Magic 95-85 on Friday night. Caron Butler and Jason Terry had 16 points apiece and Brendan Haywood added 15 points and nine rebounds as the Mavs won for the second time in three games since acquiring Butler and Haywood from Washington.

Howard's 33 and 17 power Magic to win (AP)

Ben Gordon emerged in the visiting locker room with a bandage around his left eye concealing three stitches. He can thank Dwight Howard, J.J. Redick and the suddenly fighting Orlando Magic. Howard had a season-high 33 points and added 17 rebounds, helping the Magic beat the Detroit Pistons 116-91 on Wednesday night with some physical play in the paint.

Magic confident they can win title (AP)
Stan Van Gundy is all but conceding the Eastern Conference's top seed to Cleveland. Just not the title. The Orlando Magic return after the All-Star break to play Detroit on Wednesday still struggling with continuity and consistency, 0-2 against the Cavaliers and a roster shakeup in the offseason -- most notably the trade for Vince Carter -- showing mixed results.

Cavs stop Magic, match team-record win streak
LeBron James had 32 points and 13 assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers matched their franchise record by winning their 13th straight game with a 115-106 victory over the Orlando Magic on Thursday night.

Cavs beat Magic for 13th straight win (AP)

LeBron James had 32 points and 13 assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers matched their franchise record by winning their 13th straight game with a 115-106 victory over the Orlando Magic on Thursday night in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference finals. Both teams are again on top of the East this year, but Cleveland has won both head-to-head meetings.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West (finger) will play against the Orlando Magic
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Delonte West is active and will play against the Orlando Magic.

Magic pull away early, beat Bulls 107-87 (AP)

Dwight Howard insisted his intentions were pure, that he was simply trying to block a layup and in no way meant to injure Derrick Rose. It's just that the lane can be a dangerous place. Particularly when "Superman" is lurking. "He hit the 'Man of Steel,"' Howard said. Howard had 18 points and 14 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic pulled away early for a 107-87 victory...

Howard double-double powers Magic past Bulls
Dwight Howard had 18 points and 14 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic pulled away early for a 107-87 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night and their 10th win in 12 games.

Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose leaves Orlando Magic game after fall on back
Derrick Rose left the Bulls' game early on Wednesday after landing on his back.

Streaking Cavaliers ready to host Magic (AP)
LeBron James hopes Thursday's matchup with the Orlando Magic is as successful as his Super Bowl commercial with Dwight Howard. Cleveland, on a 12-game winning streak which is also the NBA's longest this season, can tie the franchise record with a victory in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference finals.

Carter's 48 help Magic rally by Hornets (AP)

Vince Carter had a season-high 48 points, leading the Orlando Magic back from a 17-point second-half deficit to beat the New Orleans Hornets 123-117 on Monday night. Carter was 19 for 27 shooting and had 34 points in the second half with some of the most sizzling moves since he joined the Magic, who have won nine of their last 11 games.

Carter leads Magic's surge past Celtics (AP)

Vince Carter led a 19-0 surge in the third quarter and finished with 20 points as the Orlando Magic beat Boston 96-89 on Sunday, moving ahead of the Celtics and into second place in the Eastern Conference. Carter scored nine points during a rally that began after Rajon Rondo's 3-pointer gave the Celtics a 60-51 lead with 7:17 left in the third quarter -- Boston's fourth and final field...

Paul Pierce, Marquis Daniels return for the Boston Celtics against the Orlando Magic
Paul Pierce, Marquis Daniels back in action for Celtics.

NBA union VP and Orlando Magic center Adonal Foyle calls owners' CBA offer 'ludicrous'
In the strongest comments yet by a players' union official since NBA owners made a new collective bargaining proposal, first vice president Adonal Foyle of the Magic said the offer put forth last week by commissioner David Stern's office was "ludicrous."

Pierce returns after missing 2 games (AP)
Paul Pierce is playing for the Boston Celtics against the Orlando Magic after missing two games with a foot injury. The team's leading scorer was back in the starting lineup for Sunday's game. Backup guard Marquis Daniels also was in uniform after sitting out 29 games following surgery for a torn ligament in his left thumb.

Hawks-Wizards postponed due to blizzard (AP)
The game between the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards has been postponed because of the blizzard that battered the Mid-Atlantic region. The NBA said on Saturday that neither the Hawks or Wizards could fly to Washington after their games Friday night. The Wizards played at Orlando and the Hawks hosted the Bulls.

Butler's jumper caps Wizards' big rally (AP)

Caron Butler made a 19-foot jumper with 0.5 seconds remaining, capping the Washington Wizards' comeback from a 21-point deficit in a 92-91 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night. Washington went down by 21 in the first quarter, went ahead by nine in the fourth, lost the lead again and then came back to cap a wild, wacky win.

Pierce, Billups headline 3-point field (AP)
All-Stars Paul Pierce of Boston and Chauncey Billups of Denver headline the field for the 3-point contest. Also chosen for the field Friday were defending champion Daequan Cook of Miami, Golden State rookie Stephen Curry, New York's Danilo Gallinari and Phoenix center Channing Frye. Cook scored 19 points in an overtime round to beat Orlando's Rashard Lewis last year.

Johnson, Crawford lift Hawks past Clips (AP)
Joe Johnson scored 34 points, Jamal Crawford added 22, and the Atlanta Hawks overcame a nine-point, fourth-quarter to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 103-97 on Wednesday night. The Hawks, coming off consecutive road losses at Orlando and Oklahoma City, improved to 20-5 at home. Chris Kaman and Eric Gordon each scored 17 points for Los Angeles.

Carter lifts short-handed Magic by Bucks (AP)

Vince Carter had 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists to lead the short-handed Orlando Magic to an easy 99-82 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. The struggling shooting guard had by far his most efficient game in more than a month, giving Orlando its seventh win in eight games. Charlie Bell and Luke Ridnour had 13 points apiece for the Bucks, who had their three-game winning...

Magic G Nelson, F Pietrus to miss game (AP)
Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson and forward Mickael Pietrus were sidelined against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night with injuries. Nelson hyperextended his left knee in the Magic's win at Detroit on Sunday. He is day to day. Jason Williams started in Nelson's place. Nelson had surgery to repair torn cartilage in the knee in November.

Orlando Magic's Stan Van Gundy will coach in All-Star Game
Stan Van Gundy will coach the East in the All-Star game after the Orlando Magic edged Atlanta for the second-best record in the conference through January.

Howard's free-throw woes don't stop Magic's win
J.J. Redick scored 17 points and Dwight Howard overcame free-throw problems to put up 16 points and 14 rebounds as the Orlando Magic beat the struggling Detroit Pistons 91-86 Sunday night.

Magic win, Van Gundy to coach East squad (AP)

J.J. Redick scored 17 points and Dwight Howard overcame free-throw problems to put up 16 points and 14 rebounds as the Orlando Magic beat the struggling Detroit Pistons 91-86 Sunday night. The victory means Orlando's Stan Van Gundy will coach the Eastern Conference in the All-Star game Feb. 14 in Arlington, Texas.

Magic beat Hawks, claim Southeast lead (AP)

Dwight Howard had 31 points and 19 rebounds and the Orlando Magic coasted to a 104-86 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. The Magic took over first place in the Southeast Division with the victory and beat the Hawks for the third straight time this season. Rashard Lewis added 17 points, Ryan Anderson had 16 and J.J.

Howard dominates as Magic cruise past Hawks
Dwight Howard had 31 points and 19 rebounds and the Orlando Magic coasted to a 104-86 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.

Magic triumph as Celtics give away late lead
Rashard Lewis made the go-ahead layup with 1.3 seconds remaining, and the Orlando Magic overcame a 16-point deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 96-94 on Thursday night.

Magic rally, top Celtics on Lewis layup (AP)

The play designed for Vince Carter was being shredded. J.J. Redick stood near midcourt, swarmed by defenders, unable to make the pass with the clock about to run out on an improbable come back. Instead, Rashard Lewis caught the ball and surprised everybody. Lewis made the go-ahead layup with 1.3 seconds remaining, and the Orlando Magic overcame a 16-point deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 96-94 on...

Hawks aiming for season sweep of Celtics (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks are trying to show they belong with the elite teams in the Eastern Conference. A four-game sweep of the Boston Celtics would be an impressive way to make the statement. The Hawks will try to complete the regular-season sweep of the Celtics on Friday night. They will play another important conference game Saturday at Orlando.

Celtics F Scalabrine cleared to return (AP)
Boston Celtics backup forward Brian Scalabrine has been cleared to play after missing two games with a separated right shoulder. Coach Doc Rivers said Scalabrine showed no sign of injury during practice Tuesday. The Celtics leave Wednesday for games in Orlando on Thursday and Atlanta on Friday. In 33 games, three as a starter, Scalabrine is averaging 1.8 points and 10.3 minutes.

Grizzlies tip Magic for 11th straight home victory
Zach Randolph had 23 points and 19 rebounds, O.J. Mayo added 20 points and the Memphis Grizzlies won their 11th straight home game, 99-94 over the Orlando Magic on Monday night.

Grizzlies top Magic, home streak hits 11 (AP)

Zach Randolph had 23 points and 19 rebounds, O.J. Mayo added 20 points and the Memphis Grizzlies won their 11th straight home game, 99-94 over the Orlando Magic on Monday night. Marc Gasol added 19 points, and Rudy Gay had 15 for Memphis. Mike Conley finished with 14 points and seven assists for the Grizzlies, who snapped the Magic?s three-game winning streak.

Nelson, Magic outlast Bobcats in OT
The way it turned out, blowing a big lead, missing a key free throw and allowing the tying layup was just what the Orlando Magic needed.

Nelson propels Magic by Bobcats in overtime
Jameer Nelson scored six of his 21 points in overtime and the Orlando Magic recovered after blowing a big lead to beat the Charlotte Bobcats 106-95 on Saturday night for their third straight victory.

Magic blow 16-point lead but win in OT (AP)

Jameer Nelson scored six of his 21 points in overtime and the Orlando Magic recovered after blowing a big lead to beat the Charlotte Bobcats 106-95 on Saturday night for their third straight victory. While the Bobcats had won nine straight at home and entered 18-4 on their home floor, the Magic's experience showed late despite a recent streak of bad play.

Howard leads Magic over struggling Kings (AP)

Dwight Howard had 19 points and 15 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic became the latest team to bully the struggling Sacramento Kings with a 100-84 victory Friday night that wasn't even that close. Howard beat and bruised an undersized Sacramento front line to help Orlando build a 32-point lead and cruise to its second straight blowout win.

Howard's 32 and 11 help Magic snap skid (AP)

Dwight Howard had 32 points and 11 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic held off the Indiana Pacers for a 109-98 victory Wednesday night to end a three-game losing streak. Matt Barnes added 16 rebounds, 10 points and six assists to help the streaky Magic build a 29-point first half lead before going cold.

Brown's career-high 22 lift Lakers past Magic
Shannon Brown scored a career-high 22 points, Pau Gasol had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers scored the first 15 points of the fourth quarter Monday night for a 98-92 victory over the Orlando Magic in the first rematch of last season's NBA finals.

Lakers score first 15 in 4th, top Magic (AP)

Shannon Brown scored a career-high 22 points, Pau Gasol had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers scored the first 15 points of the fourth quarter Monday night for a 98-92 victory over the Orlando Magic in the first rematch of last season's NBA finals. Kobe Bryant scored just 11 points on 4-of-19 shooting, but his teammates carried the Lakers to their 18th win in 19 home games...

Blazers' Roy misses second straight game (AP)
Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy will miss his second straight game because of a sore right hamstring. Roy hoped to play Monday afternoon against the Washington Wizards. But after consulting with coach Nate McMillan and a team trainer following warmups, Roy decided not to play. He also missed Friday's game against Orlando.

Roy-less Blazers knock Magic out of 1st (AP)

Dwight Howard's off night kept the Trail Blazers from missing Brandon Roy -- and knocked Orlando out of first place. Roy was out with a sore right hamstring and Howard made just four of seven attempts from the field Friday night in Portland's 102-87 victory over the Magic. Martell Webster led the Blazers with 24 points and nine rebounds, and LaMarcus Aldridge added 14 points and 14...

Blazers knock Magic out of Southeast's top spot
Dwight Howard's off night kept the Trail Blazers from missing Brandon Roy -- and knocked Orlando out of first place.

Roy-less Blazers thrash Magic
Dwight Howard's off night kept the Trail Blazers from missing Brandon Roy - and knocked Orlando out of first place.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy (hamstring) won't play vs. Magic
Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy will not play against the Orlando Magic because of a sore right hamstring.

Nuggets use defense to take down Magic
The Denver Nuggets knocked Dwight Howard out of his comfort zone with tough, physical defense and by using an array of defenders against the Orlando Magic's star center.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy (hamstring strain) questionable vs. Orlando Magic
Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy has a strained right hamstring and is questionable for Friday night's game against the Magic.

Melo powers streaking Nuggets past Magic
Carmelo Anthony scored 27 points and Chauncey Billups added 24 to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 115-97 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.

Anthony, Billups lead Nuggets over Magic (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 27 points and Chauncey Billups added 24 to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 115-97 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. It was Denver's fourth win in five games, including victories over fellow division leaders Orlando and Cleveland. Matt Barnes scored a season-high 28 points for Orlando.

Orlando Magic guard Vince Carter still sidelined by shoulder injury
Orlando Magic guard Vince Carter was ruled out of Wednesday night's game against the Denver Nuggets because of continuing problems with a sprained left shoulder.

Howard shines, Magic win with big 4th (AP)

Dwight Howard had 30 points and 16 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic used a big run to open the fourth quarter and beat the Sacramento Kings 109-88 on Tuesday night. Ryan Anderson started the 18-4 run with a 3-pointer on the opening possession of the quarter to give the Magic a 79-78 lead. Orlando just built on it from there, holding Sacramento to just one field goal in the first 7:14 of the period.

Redick, Magic run past Hawks
J.J. Redick scored 17 points in place of an injured Vince Carter, and the Orlando Magic ended a four-game losing streak with a 113-81 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.

Carter-less Magic rout Hawks, snap skid (AP)

J.J. Redick scored 17 points in place of an injured Vince Carter, and the Orlando Magic ended a four-game losing streak with a 113-81 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night. Matt Barnes finished with 18 points, and reserve Jason Williams added 14 to help the Magic build a 38-point lead and stay atop the Southeast Division.

Orlando Magic guard Vince Carter has 'mild separation' in shoulder
Vince Carter says he has a "mild separation" in his left shoulder but doesn't expect to miss much time for the Orlando Magic.

Wizards overcome deficit to win without Arenas
The last-place and distracted Washington Wizards overcame a 10-point, fourth-quarter deficit Friday night, beating the Orlando Magic 104-97 in the team's first game at the Verizon Center since Gilbert Arenas' suspension.

Arenas-less Wizards rally, beat Magic (AP)
The last-place and distracted Washington Wizards overcame a 10-point, fourth-quarter deficit Friday night, beating the first-place Orlando Magic 104-97 in the team's first game at the Verizon Center since Gilbert Arenas' suspension. The Wizards earned several rousing, standing ovations during the final period -- an unusual display from the typically subdued Washington crowds -- for their...

Orlando Magic's Vince Carter exits game with injured shoulder
Orlando guard Vince Carter injured his left shoulder in a collision in the Magic's game in Washington on Friday night.

Former Orlando Magic guard Rafer Alston signs with Heat
Rafer Alston got his wish, signing with the Miami Heat for the remainder of the season and getting the chance to play alongside Dwyane Wade again.

Late Magic rally falls short as Raptors prevail
Andrea Bargnani and Chris Bosh had 18 points apiece, and the Toronto Raptors nearly blew an 18-point fourth quarter lead before holding off the Orlando Magic for a 108-103 victory Wednesday night.

Raptors nearly blow lead, hold off Magic (AP)

Andrea Bargnani and Chris Bosh had 18 points apiece, and the Toronto Raptors nearly blew an 18-point fourth quarter lead before holding off the Orlando Magic for a 108-103 victory Wednesday night. Hedo Turkoglu added 17 points to help the Raptors win for the seventh time in their last eight games. They also got a boost with five points from Jose Calderon in his return from a hip strain.

Hibbert's career-high 26 lift Pacers past Magic
Roy Hibbert scored a career-high 26 points, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 97-90 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.

Hibbert's 26 lift Pacers over Magic (AP)

Roy Hibbert scored a career-high 26 points, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 97-90 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night. Hibbert, a 7-2 center, added eight rebounds and four blocks. Luther Head had 18 points and Dahntay Jones scored 13 for the Pacers, who have won two of three after losing eight straight.

Rose has 30 as Bulls win fourth in a row (AP)

Derrick Rose scored 30 points and the Chicago Bulls beat the Orlando Magic 101-93 on Saturday night for their season-high fourth straight win. For all the speculation about coach Vinny Del Negro's job status, the Bulls are playing their best ball of the year. And so is Rose, who finished two points shy of a career high he set against Atlanta last month.

Suddenly surging Bulls ride Rose's 30 by Magic
Derrick Rose scored 30 points and the Chicago Bulls beat the Orlando Magic 101-93 on Saturday night for their season-high fourth straight win.

Lewis steps up to help Magic get victory on road
Rashard Lewis scored 21 points, and Matt Barnes added 17 to help the Orlando Magic snap a three-game road losing streak with a 106-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

Magic snap 3-game road losing streak (AP)

Rashard Lewis scored 21 points, and Matt Barnes added 17 to help the Orlando Magic snap a three-game road losing streak with a 106-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. Jonny Flynn led Minnesota with 23 points, Kevin Love added 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Al Jefferson had 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Carter rallies Magic after collision (AP)

Vince Carter overcame a hard collision to score 25 points, rallying the Orlando Magic for a 117-92 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. Carter was thrust under the courtside seats on a hard hit by Ersan Ilyasova late in the third quarter that gave Orlando a brief scare. The Magic's star shooting guard shook off the pain and never exited, igniting a 17-2 run that helped them pull...

Celtics overcome injuries, make statement vs. Magic
Celtics' win in Orlando proves they can win another NBA title.

Rondo, defense help Celtics beat Magic (AP)

Rajon Rondo had 17 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists, and the Boston Celtics bullied the Orlando Magic with strong defense in an 86-77 victory Friday. Ray Allen added 18 points and Tony Allen scored 16 in place of the injured Paul Pierce for the Celtics, who rolled to their 14th win in the last 15 games.

Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy wants to end games on Christmas
Stan Van Gundy has a request for the NBA: no more games on Christmas.

Magic's Van Gundy wants no holiday games (AP)
Stan Van Gundy has a request for the NBA: no more games on Christmas. The Orlando Magic coach says he feels "sorry for people who have nothing to do on Christmas Day other than watch an NBA game." The Magic were playing Boston on Friday, one of five NBA games on Christmas. Van Gundy said before the game he understands the high-priced TV contracts generate money for the league and it would...

Magic's Van Gundy jollier this Christmas (AP)

One thing that will be a little jollier this Christmas for the Orlando Magic is Stan Van Gundy. Players say he has changed since Dwight Howard asked the coach last month to limit the negativity. Van Gundy even sent out holidays cards complete with a candy apple to every member of the organization. "He's making a big effort to be a little more positive, and we appreciate that," point...

Howard powers Magic past Rockets (AP)

Dwight Howard had 20 rebounds and 13 points, and the Orlando Magic rolled to an easy 102-87 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Howard outmuscled a Rockets team lacking size and strength in the middle with Yao Ming injured. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year blocked four shots and showed how dominant he can be even on a night he didn't have his best offensive game.

Howard, Magic roll to easy win over Rockets
Dwight Howard had 20 rebounds and 13 points, and the Orlando Magic rolled to an easy 102-87 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

Celtics F Pierce to miss next 2 weeks (AP)
Celtics forward Paul Pierce had fluid drained from his right knee Wednesday and will miss the next two weeks. Pierce did not make the flight to Orlando for a Christmas Day game against the Magic, one day after Kevin Garnett missed his first game of the season with a thigh bruise. Instead, team doctor Brian McKeon drained fluid from Pierce's knee at New England Baptist Hospital.

Jameer Nelson of Orlando Magic returning from surgery, will come off bench vs. Utah Jazz
Jameer Nelson is back for the Orlando Magic.

Redick's hot hand helps Magic shoot down Jazz
J.J. Redick had 20 points, Rashard Lewis scored 18 and the Orlando Magic blew past the Utah Jazz 104-99 on Monday night with some potent 3-point shooting.

Magic beat Jazz in Nelson's return (AP)

J.J. Redick had 20 points, Rashard Lewis scored 18 and the Orlando Magic blew past the Utah Jazz 104-99 on Monday night with some potent 3-point shooting. Redick and Lewis led a 15-2 run late in the fourth quarter to pull away, highlighting a 9-for-21 night from beyond the arc for the Magic. Orlando won for the fourth time in five games.

Howard helps Magic rally by Blazers (AP)
Dwight Howard had 12 points, 20 rebounds and four blocks to help the Orlando Magic rally past the Portland Trail Blazers 92-83 on Saturday night. Rashard Lewis added 15 points for the Magic, Jason Williams had 13 and J.J. Redick chipped in 12 as Orlando overcame a sluggish first half to beat Portland for the sixth time in the last seven meetings.

Howard double-double lifts Magic over Blazers
Dwight Howard had 12 points, 20 rebounds and four blocks to help the Orlando Magic rally past the Portland Trail Blazers 92-83 on Saturday night.

Wade, Beasley help Heat rout Magic (AP)

Dwyane Wade had 25 points and seven assists, Michael Beasley added 22 points and the Miami Heat were in control throughout an easy 104-86 victory over the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic on Thursday night. Dorell Wright and Quentin Richardson each scored 11 points for the Heat, who beat their Southeast Division rivals for the second time in two meetings this season.

Wade, Heat take control early, cruise past Magic
Dwyane Wade had 25 points and seven assists, Michael Beasley added 22 points and the Miami Heat were in control throughout an easy 104-86 victory over the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic on Thursday night.

Jameer Nelson could make return to Orlando Magic next week
Jameer Nelson could return to the Orlando Magic lineup by next week.

Magic spoil Turkoglu's return to Orlando (AP)

Dwight Howard has a message to fans sitting courtside: Look out. Howard had 18 points, 14 rebounds and eight blocks, and the Orlando Magic spoiled Hedo Turkoglu's return with a 118-99 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year had fans dodging balls in the stands at near the rate of the burritos being chucked into seats with pressurized guns...

NBA rescinds foul on Dwight Howard at Orlando Magic's urging
The NBA said Tuesday it rescinded a technical foul on Magic center Dwight Howard and assessed a flagrant foul on Indiana's Troy Murphy after the two got tangled up in Orlando's win Monday night.

Howard, Magic top Pacers to end 2-game slide
Dwight Howard overcame a slow start to finish with 21 points and 23 rebounds, powering the Orlando Magic past the Indiana Pacers 106-98 on Monday night.

Howard's 21 and 23 help Magic top Pacers (AP)

Dwight Howard overcame a slow start to finish with 21 points and 23 rebounds, powering the Orlando Magic past the Indiana Pacers 106-98 on Monday night. Howard endured hard-hitting fouls and a Pacers team determined to not let him dunk. He went 4 for 9 from the field, still struggled with free throws but helped Orlando snap its two-game losing skid with some physical play in the paint.

Amare's dunk helps Suns hold off Magic (AP)

Amare Stoudemire capped a 28-point night with an emphatic offensive rebound dunk with 6.9 seconds to play and the Phoenix Suns stayed unbeaten at home with a 106-103 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night. The Magic, at the end of a four-game trip after being beaten at Utah on Thursday, lost consecutive games for the first time this season.

Stoudemire caps Suns' victory with final dunk
Amare Stoudemire capped a 28-point night with an emphatic offensive rebound dunk with 6.9 seconds to play and the Phoenix Suns stayed unbeaten at home with a 106-103 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night.

Williams' 32 and 15 lead Jazz over Magic (AP)

Deron Williams scored 21 of his 32 points in the second half and had 15 assists and eight rebounds, leading the Utah Jazz to a 120-111 victory over Orlando on Thursday night that snapped Magic's six-game winning streak. Carlos Boozer had 20 points and 14 rebounds, and C.J. Miles added a season-high 22 points for the Jazz, coming off an embarrassing loss in Los Angeles the night before when they...

Williams' 2nd-half brilliance lifts Jazz over Magic
Deron Williams scored 21 of his 32 points in the second half and had 15 assists and eight rebounds, leading the Utah Jazz to a 120-111 victory over Orlando on Thursday night that snapped Magic's six-game winning streak.

Stan Van Gundy OK with Rashard Lewis' refusal to re-enter game vs. Utah
Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy says it was "no big deal" that Rashard Lewis refused to re-enter the game in the second quarter Thursday night at Utah.

Van Gundy downplays Lewis incident (AP)
Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy says it was "no big deal" that Rashard Lewis refused to re-enter the game in the second quarter Thursday night at Utah. Speaking before the Magic played the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, Van Gundy called the incident "a one-time thing" Van Gundy said he knows Lewis' act was not in defiance but in what he thought was best for the team, that he...

Birthday boy Howard leads Magic to win (AP)

Dwight Howard had 25 points and 11 rebounds on his 24th birthday, Rashard Lewis added 17 points and the Orlando Magic held off the Los Angeles Clippers for their sixth straight victory, 97-86 Tuesday night. Jason Williams scored 16 points while hitting four 3-pointers for the Magic, who kept pace with Boston atop the Eastern Conference with their 11th win in 12 games.

Carter, Magic stop Warriors for fifth straight win
Vince Carter had 27 points and seven assists, Mickael Pietrus scored a season-high 22 points and the Orlando Magic rallied to beat the Golden State Warriors 126-118 on Saturday night.

Carter helps Magic rally past Warriors (AP)

Vince Carter had 27 points and seven assists, Mickael Pietrus scored a season-high 22 points and the Orlando Magic rallied to beat the Golden State Warriors 126-118 on Saturday night. Dwight Howard added 17 points and eight rebounds, and Jason Williams had 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists. The Magic, who outscored the Warriors 17-4 down the stretch, have won five straight to improve to...

Lewis leads surging Magic past Knicks (AP)

Rashard Lewis scored 17 of his 20 points in the third quarter, helping the Orlando Magic pull away for an easy 118-104 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. Dwight Howard added 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Mickael Pietrus had 17 points as Orlando scored 41 points in the decisive third quarter.

Shaq concerned for Woods, rips rumors (AP)
Cavaliers superstar Shaquille O'Neal is expressing concern for Tiger Woods while criticizing rumors surrounding Woods' car accident last week. "Tiger's my guy," O'Neal says. "I'm not going to be like everybody else and say off-the-wall comments. I just hope he's OK." Like Woods, O'Neal has a home in Isleworth, a gated community near Orlando, Florida.

Team November: Magic roll Knicks to cap trip
Rashard Lewis scored 13 of his season-high 26 points in the third quarter, and the Orlando Magic beat the New York Knicks 114-102 on Sunday night for their sixth straight road victory.

Magic run road streak to 6, beat Knicks (AP)

Rashard Lewis scored 13 of his season-high 26 points in the third quarter, and the Orlando Magic beat the New York Knicks 114-102 on Sunday night for their sixth straight road victory. Dwight Howard had 24 points and 16 rebounds for the Eastern Conference leaders, who capped a perfect three-game trip over the holiday weekend that started with an impressive win at division rival Atlanta on...

Magic's Carter has 25 points, 4 stitches (AP)

Vince Carter scored 19 of his 25 points in the second half after getting four stitches and Dwight Howard added 25 points and 20 rebounds to rally the Orlando Magic to a 100-98 victory over the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night. Orlando, winners of seven of the last eight and best in the Eastern Conference at 13-4, trailed by 15 midway through the third quarter before Carter helped the...

Magic's Barnes fined $20K for throwing ball
Orlando forward Matt Barnes has been fined $20,000 for throwing a basketball into the stands. The Heat's Michael Beasley soared over Barnes to grab an offensive rebound and dunk the ball for the winning points with 1.6 seconds left in Miami's 99-98 win Wednesday. The Magic protested that it was goaltending. Barnes threw the ball into the stands after the game. The NBA announced Barnes' fine Saturday.

Magic F Barnes fined $20K for ball toss (AP)
Orlando Magic forward Matt Barnes was fined $20,000 by the NBA on Saturday for throwing a basketball into the stands. The Miami Heat's Michael Beasley soared over Barnes to grab an offensive rebound and dunk the ball for the winning points with 1.6 seconds left in a 99-98 win over Orlando on Wednesday.

Orlando Magic's Matt Barnes fined; chucked ball into stands
Orlando forward Matt Barnes has been fined $20,000 for throwing a basketball into the stands.

Crawford's 11 in 4th help Hawks by 76ers (AP)

Jamal Crawford scored 11 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, Mike Bibby added 21 and the Atlanta Hawks snapped a two-game losing streak with a 100-86 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. Josh Smith scored 20 and Al Horford had 15 for the Hawks, who responded with a road win one night after falling 93-76 to the Orlando Magic.

Is Vince a good fit for Magic?
Vince Carter's 22 points were nice, but Orlando falls to Miami. Charley Rosen analyzes how the Magic's big trade is working out.

Magic dump high-flying Hawks behind Howard
Dwight Howard had 22 points and 17 rebounds, Vince Carter added 21 points and the Orlando Magic beat the Atlanta Hawks 93-76 on Thursday night.

Howard, Magic deal Hawks first home loss (AP)

Dwight Howard had 22 points and 17 rebounds, Vince Carter added 21 points and the Orlando Magic beat the Atlanta Hawks 93-76 on Thursday night. The Hawks, attempting to tie Phoenix for the NBA's best record, dropped to 11-4. They missed a chance to improve to 8-0 at home for the first time since 1993-94.

Carter can't save Magic from tough loss vs. Heat
Vince Carter's 22 points were nice, but Orlando falls to Miami. Charley Rosen analyzes how the Magic's big trade is working out.

Heat top Magic on Beasley's putback dunk (AP)

Michael Beasley dunked a missed shot by Dwyane Wade with 1.6 seconds remaining, lifting the Miami Heat to a 99-98 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. Wade's jumper was short, and Beasley soared in the air to take the rebound and seal the victory, which didn't come without controversy.

Beasley put-back dunk stuffs Magic with 1.6 left
Michael Beasley dunked a missed shot by Dwyane Wade with 1.6 seconds remaining, lifting the Miami Heat to a 99-98 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.

Reserve judgment: Who improved their bench?
Orlando revamped its starting lineup. but it's the Magic bench that's truly improved. Randy Hill looks at the league's top reserves.

Reserve judgment: Who has best benches?
Orlando revamped its starting lineup. but it's the Magic bench that's truly improved. Randy Hill looks at the league's top reserves.

Suns cruise past weary Pistons 117-91 (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 21 points and Steve Nash added 20 for Phoenix, then sat out the fourth quarter to watch the Suns rout road-weary Detroit 117-91 Sunday night for the Pistons' fifth straight loss. Nash made 7 of 8 shots and had nine assists. Jason Richardson scored 17 as the Suns (11-3), with six players in double figures, improved to 5-0 at home and tied Atlanta and Orlando for the best...

Carter, Howard keep Magic in gear vs. Raptors
TORONTO -- Vince Carter scored 24 points, Dwight Howard had 17 points and 12 rebounds and the Orlando Magic won their fifth straight game, 104-96 over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.

Magic top Raptors for fifth straight win (AP)

Vince Carter scored 24 points, Dwight Howard had 17 points and 12 rebounds and the Orlando Magic won their fifth straight game, 104-96 over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. J.J. Redick had 19 points, Jason Williams had 16 and Rashard Lewis added 11 for the Magic, who have won eight of 10. Chris Bosh scored 22 points, Jose Calderon had 16 and Hedo Turkoglu scored 12 for Toronto, which has lost four of...

Carter's 26 lead Magic over struggling Celtics
Vince Carter scored 26 points, Rashard Lewis had 16 points and 10 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Boston Celtics 83-78 on Friday night.

Carter's 26 lift Magic past Celtics (AP)

Vince Carter scored 26 points, Rashard Lewis had 16 points and 10 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Boston Celtics 83-78 on Friday night. Dwight Howard grabbed 15 boards and Mickael Pietrus added 14 points for Orlando, which won the rematch of last season's Eastern Conference semifinal for its fourth consecutive victory.

Carter, Magic beat Celtics in Boston
Vince Carter wasn't with Orlando when it ousted Boston in the playoffs, but he comes up big in the teams' first meeting this season.

Lewis nears triple-double as Magic roll (AP)

Rashard Lewis fell one assist shy of his first triple-double, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds in the Orlando Magic's 108-94 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. Lewis, who was suspended for the first 10 games of the season for violating the league's substance abuse policy, didn't play in the fourth quarter, which the Magic started with an 88-58 lead His...

Orlando Magic see Jason Williams and Anthony Johnson as ample fill-ins for injured Jameer Nelson
While the Orlando Magic traded for a replacement when point guard Jameer Nelson went down last season, general manager Otis Smith said Wednesday he's not inclined to do so this time.

Magic PG Nelson to have knee surgery (AP)
Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson is having surgery again. The All-Star point guard will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus, the team said. He is expected to miss four to six weeks. Nelson was injured in the fourth quarter of Monday night's win against Charlotte.

Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson to have surgery on left knee
Magic point guard Jameer Nelson is having surgery again.

All-Star PG Nelson to miss 4-6 weeks for Magic
Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson is having surgery again. The team says the All-Star point guard will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus. He is expected to miss four to six weeks. Nelson was injured in the fourth quarter of Monday night's win against Charlotte. This is the second straight season he has been sidelined. Nelson tore the labrum in his right shoulder in February and had surgery.

Lewis back as Magic top new-look Bobcats (AP)

Rashard Lewis had 10 points in his first game back from a suspension and the Orlando Magic beat the Charlotte Bobcats 97-91 Monday night. Lewis looked rusty after serving a 10-game ban handed out by the NBA for testing positive for an elevated testosterone level. The All-Star forward finally found his footing late, sparking a rally that moved the Magic in front for good.

Orlando Magic center Marcin Gortat misses game vs. Charlotte Bobcats because of illness
Backup center Marcin Gortat missed Monday night's game against the Bobcats because of an illness. He is averaging 4.4 points and 4.8 rebounds and is day to day.

Magic C Gortat misses game with illness (AP)
The Orlando Magic will have to wait a little longer to be at full strength. Backup center Marcin Gortat missed Monday night's game against the Charlotte Bobcats because of an illness. He is averaging 4.4 points and 4.8 rebounds and is day to day. Orlando signed Gortat to a $34 million, five-year deal in the offseason.

Howard lifts Magic, keeps scuffling Nets winless
Dwight Howard had 26 points and 12 rebounds and Matt Barnes added 13 points and 13 rebounds and the Orlando Magic put away the winless New Jersey Nets 88-72 on Friday night.

Magic roll 88-72, drop Nets to 0-9 (AP)

Dwight Howard had 26 points and 12 rebounds and Matt Barnes added 13 points and 13 rebounds and the Orlando Magic put away the winless New Jersey Nets 88-72 on Friday night. New Jersey got a triple-double from point guard Rafer Alston, the first triple-double of his career, but the Nets fell to 0-9. They are the NBA's only winless team.

Troubled Cavaliers G West inactive again (AP)
Troubled Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West was inactive for the second night in a row Thursday, and coach Mike Brown says his status was day to day. West made the trip to Miami but sat out against the Heat because of an "internal matter," Brown said. That was the same reason given for West missing Wednesday's win at Orlando.

LeBron, Cavs stomp Magic in Orlando
With Shaq neutralizing Dwight Howard, LeBron and the Cavs clobber the Magic team that knocked them out of the 2009 playoffs.

Cavs best Magic in East finals rematch (AP)

LeBron James scored 36 points, Shaquille O'Neal provided an inside presence and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Orlando Magic 102-93 on Wednesday night in a rematch of the Eastern Conference finals. Only this one had a different look. O'Neal battled boos and bruises to score 10 points and keep Dwight Howard in foul trouble for most of the night, giving James and Co.

Statement? LeBron, Cavs rout Magic in Orlando


LeBron says he's done talking about free agency
Frustrated by the repeated questions about his future, LeBron James said Wednesday that he won't talk about his possible free agency next summer until after this season. The Cleveland star and reigning NBA MVP said before the Cavaliers' game against Orlando that all the talk is "getting old." James cut off interviews after being hit with questions about free agency and teaming with Miami's Dwyane Wade, who has said the two have discussed forming a mega-tandem.

LIVE: Cavs, Magic meet in Orlando
Last time the Cavs and Magic met, Dwight scored 40 and LeBron wasn't shaking hands. Will Shaq make a difference? Follow it LIVE.

Cavs' James done discussing free agency (AP)
Frustrated by the repeated questions about his future, LeBron James said Wednesday that he won't talk about his possible free agency next summer until after this season. The Cleveland star and reigning NBA MVP said before the Cavaliers' game against Orlando that all the talk is "getting old." James cut off interviews after being hit with questions about free agency and teaming...

Carter returns, helps Magic beat Bobcats (AP)

Dwight Howard had 15 points and 10 rebounds, Vince Carter scored 15 points in his return from a sprained ankle, and the Orlando Magic bounced back from an ugly loss to beat the Charlotte Bobcats 93-81 on Tuesday night. Two nights after losing by 28 points in Oklahoma City, the Magic built a big lead with the help of Carter, who had missed four of the past five games.

Orlando Magic's Vince Carter serves as substitute in return
Orlando Magic guard Vince Carter has returned after missing four games with a sprained left ankle.

Magic G Carter returns from ankle injury (AP)
Orlando Magic guard Vince Carter has returned after missing four games with a sprained left ankle. Carter didn't start, but checked in to start the second quarter in Tuesday's game against Charlotte. He practiced on a limited basis Monday, but sat out the morning shootaround and was ruled out by coach Stan Van Gundy.

Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard fined for critical blog on refs
Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard has been fined $15,000 by the NBA for publicly criticizing officials on his blog.

Magic's Howard rips refs on blog, fined (AP)
Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard has been fined $15,000 by the NBA for publicly criticizing officials on his blog. The league made the announcement Tuesday. The comments were posted on Howard's blog after the Magic's loss to Detroit last week. Howard fouled out in the game after playing a little more than 16 minutes.

Shaq no longer taking shots at Howard (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal worked on his kickboxing with Cavaliers teammate Anderson Varejao as the two traded playful jabs following practice. Once talk turned to Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy and Magic superstar Dwight Howard, though, O'Neal put the gloves away. While playing for Phoenix last season, O'Neal was critical of both, mocking Howard's use of the nickname "Superman" while...

Thunder crush short-handed Magic in 2nd half
Kevin Durant scored 28 points, Russell Westbrook added 17 points and 10 assists and the Oklahoma City Thunder ran away from the Orlando Magic in the second half Sunday night for a 102-74 victory.

Thunder rout short-handed Magic 102-74 (AP)

Kevin Durant scored 28 points, Russell Westbrook added 17 points and 10 assists and the Oklahoma City Thunder ran away from the Orlando Magic in the second half Sunday night for a 102-74 victory. The Magic played for the fourth time this season without Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis, and also added Ryan Anderson to their injured list.

Howard's 22 and 12 get Magic by Pistons (AP)

Dwight Howard had 22 points and 12 rebounds to help the Orlando Magic hold off Charlie Villanueva and the Detroit Pistons 110-103 Friday night. Villanueva scored 22 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter, but it wasn't enough to get past the defending Eastern Conference champs, who led by 19 early and never trailed at all.

Magic hand Suns first loss, 122-100 (AP)

Ryan Anderson had 20 and 10 rebounds, Dwight Howard scored 25 and the short-handed Orlando Magic defeated the previously unbeaten Phoenix Suns 122-100 on Wednesday night. Playing without injured Vince Carter and suspended Rashard Lewis, the Magic built a 23-point lead in the third quarter to pull away from the Suns.

Phoenix Suns guard Leandro Barbosa out with injured wrist vs. Orlando Magic
Phoenix guard Leandro Barbosa is out for the Suns' game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night with an injured right wrist.

Suns' Barbosa out again with bad wrist (AP)
Phoenix guard Leandro Barbosa is out for the Suns' game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night with an injured right wrist. Barbosa played only 14 minutes in Phoenix's win against Minnesota on Sunday. He also missed the win at Miami on Tuesday. Through three games, Barbosa was averaging 15.7 points and 56 percent shooting.

Magic G Carter sidelined against Suns (AP)
Orlando Magic guard Vince Carter was sidelined against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night with a sprained left ankle. Carter was first injured Friday against New Jersey. Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said Carter aggravated the ankle again Tuesday night versus Detroit. Carter's status is day to day. The 32-year-old guard was Orlando's biggest acquisition this summer.

Magic's Carter sidelined with ankle injury
Orlando Magic guard Vince Carter was sidelined against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night with a sprained left ankle. Carter was first injured Friday against New Jersey. Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said Carter aggravated the ankle again Tuesday night versus Detroit. Carter's status is day to day. The 32-year-old guard was Orlando's biggest free agent splash this summer. The Magic acquired Carter from New Jersey in a trade that sent Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston and Tony Battie to the Nets.

Orlando Magic guard Vince Carter sidelined with sprained left ankle
Vince Carter was sidelined against the Suns on Wednesday night with a sprained left ankle.

Shorthanded Pistons halt Magic's perfect run
Ben Gordon scored 23 points and Rodney Stuckey added 20 as the short-handed Detroit Pistons beat Orlando 85-80 on Tuesday night, handing the Magic their first loss of the season.

Pistons' guards send Magic to first loss (AP)

Ben Gordon scored 23 points and Rodney Stuckey added 20 as the short-handed Detroit Pistons beat Orlando 85-80 on Tuesday night, handing the Magic their first loss of the season. Detroit's Tayshaun Prince saw his streak of 496 straight games played end as he was sidelined with a back injury. Prince last missed a game on April 13, 2003 -- during his rookie season -- against Memphis.

Detroit Pistons' Tayshaun Prince (back) ends games streak at 496
Detroit Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince will miss Tuesday's game against the Orlando Magic with a back injury, ending his consecutive-games streak at 496.

Former rivals Bird, Magic now co-authors (AP)
Larry Bird doesn't understand what all the fuss was about. So what if LeBron James didn't shake hands with the Orlando Magic after his Cleveland Cavaliers lost in the Eastern Conference finals? "When basketball is over you live the rest of your life, and you'll have plenty of time for that," Bird said of players being friends with their opponents.

Pistons plan to rest Hamilton for another game
Richard Hamilton will miss a third straight game with a sprained right ankle Tuesday when the Detroit Pistons host the Orlando Magic. Hamilton was injured in last week's season-opening win at Memphis and X-rays on the ankle were negative. He scored a team-high 25 points in the victory and the Coatesville, Pa., native has led Detroit in scoring for seven straight seasons. The Pistons struggled offensively without him in losses to Oklahoma City and Milwaukee.

Richard Hamilton out of Detroit Pistons-Orlando Magic game with sprain
Richard Hamilton will miss another Pistons game with a sprained ankle.

Nelson, Redick lead Magic past Raptors (AP)

Jameer Nelson scored 30 points, J.J. Redick had a career-high 27 and the Orlando Magic used a season-high 17 3-pointers to beat the Toronto Raptors 125-116 on Sunday. Dwight Howard had 24 points and 11 rebounds, Ryan Anderson scored 20 and the Magic (3-0) remained unbeaten after going 8-0 in the preseason.

Magic remain unbeaten by sinking 17 3-pointers
Jameer Nelson scored 30 points, J.J. Redick had a career-high 27 and the Orlando Magic used a season-high 17 3-pointers to beat the Toronto Raptors 125-116 on Sunday.

Nets' Harris out at least a week with sore groin
New Jersey Nets point guard Devin Harris says he's out at least a week because of a sore right groin. Harris sat out Saturday night's game against the Washington Wizards and will leave the team Sunday to see a specialist in Chicago. Harris originally hurt the groin in an exhibition game Oct. 13 and reinjured it during Friday's loss to Orlando. Harris isn't sure how long he'll be out, but he says he's aiming to return in seven to 10 days.

Carter hurts ankle in Jersey return as Magic roll
Vince Carter returned to New Jersey and scored 16 points before leaving the game against his former teammates in the second quarter with a sprained left ankle and the Orlando Magic rolled to a 95-85 victory Friday night.

Carter hurts ankle as Magic beat Nets (AP)

Vince Carter returned to New Jersey and scored 16 points before leaving the game against his former teammates in the second quarter with a sprained left ankle and the Orlando Magic rolled to a 95-85 victory Friday night. All-Star center Dwight Howard more than made up for Carter's absence with 20 points, 22 rebounds and four blocks as the Magic won their second straight and handed the Nets...

Orlando Magic's Vince Carter leaves game vs. New Jersey Nets with sprained ankle
Orlando's Vince Carter sprained his left ankle in the second quarter against his former New Jersey Nets teammates on Friday and left the game.

New-look Magic roll past Sixers 120-106 (AP)

Dwight Howard had 21 points and 15 rebounds, Vince Carter scored 15 points and the new-look Orlando Magic rolled to a 120-106 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night in the season opener for both teams. Ryan Anderson added 16 points, and Jason Williams had 15 points to highlight a deep Magic bench.

Howard's double-double powers new-look Magic
Dwight Howard had 21 points and 15 rebounds, Vince Carter scored 15 points and the new-look Orlando Magic rolled to a 120-106 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night in the season opener for both teams.

Magic finish preseason with 8-0 record (AP)

Vince Carter was 9 of 10 from the field and scored 26 points to lead the Orlando Magic to a 123-86 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night to cap the NBA's only unbeaten preseason. The Magic (8-0) won their exhibition games by an average of 18 points. Carter, acquired in an offseason trade with New Jersey, made all five of his 3-point attempts.

Red-hot Magic record unblemished preseason
Vince Carter was 9-of-10 from the field and scored 26 points to lead the Orlando Magic to a 123-86 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night to cap the NBA's only unbeaten preseason.

Magic rout Pacers, now 7-0 in preseason (AP)

Vince Carter scored 21 points and the Orlando Magic remained unbeaten in the preseason with a 117-87 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. The Magic (7-0) play Atlanta on Friday night, hoping to finish off the first undefeated exhibition season in franchise history. Marcin Gortat added 15 points and Brandon Bass had 14 for the Magic.

Carter's 21 keep Magic unbeaten in preseason
Vince Carter scored 21 points and the Orlando Magic remained unbeaten in the preseason with a 117-87 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night.

Amway to sponsor Magic practice jerseys (AP)
The Orlando Magic are taking advantage of a new NBA rule allowing companies to purchase space on the jerseys players wear in practice. The Magic announced Wednesday that they have partnered with Amway. The Michigan-based direct selling company will have its logo on the upper-right side of the team's practice jerseys.

Magic reserve C Foyle has knee surgery (AP)
Orlando Magic reserve center Adonal Foyle has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. The Magic made the announcement Wednesday. The team said there's no timetable for Foyle's return, which will depend on how his knee responds to treatment. Foyle hasn't played in the preseason and has only participated in a few practices because of knee soreness.

Hawks release Gs Dixon, Wilks (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks have trimmed their roster to 16 players by releasing guards Juan Dixon and Mike Wilks. Dixon, who has played eight years in the NBA with four teams, and Wilks, who spent last season on Orlando's roster, were with the Hawks as training camp invitees. Dixon averaged 9.0 points in three preseason games.

Magic improve to 7-0 in preseason (AP)

Ryan Anderson's 3-pointer in the final minute put Orlando ahead for good and Dwight Howard scored 18 points as the Magic remained unbeaten in the preseason with a 101-98 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. Trailing 92-91, Anderson gave the Magic (6-0) the lead with a 3-pointer with 40 seconds left.

NBA fines Van Gundy and team for criticizing refs
The Orlando Magic and coach Stan Van Gundy have been fined $35,000 each for his criticism of referees earlier in the week. The fines were announced Friday, a day after Van Gundy's comments about the replacement officials were published. Van Gundy became the third coach in three days to be fined.

NBA fines Orlando Magic, Stan Van Gundy for criticizing refs
The Orlando Magic and coach Stan Van Gundy have been fined $35,000 each for his criticism of referees earlier in the week.

Van Gundy fined $35K for ref criticism (AP)
The Orlando Magic and coach Stan Van Gundy have been fined $35,000 each for his criticism of referees earlier in the week. The fines were announced Friday, a day after Van Gundy's comments about the replacement officials were published. Van Gundy became the third coach in three days to be fined. The Charlotte Bobcats and coach Larry Brown were each fined $60,000 on Wednesday for Brown's...

Grizzlies' Hollins fined $25K for criticizing refs
Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Wednesday for comments about officiating made earlier this week. The comments came after his team's 102-83 loss to Orlando on Monday night and came when someone asked the Memphis coach about rookie Hasheem Thabeet's time on the court with Magic All-Star center Dwight Howard. Charlotte coach Larry Brown was also fined on Wednesday by the league.

Grizzlies coach Hollins fined $25,000 (AP)
Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Wednesday for comments about officiating made earlier this week. The comments came after his team's 102-83 loss to Orlando on Monday night and came when someone asked the Memphis coach about rookie Hasheem Thabeet's time on the court with Magic All-Star center Dwight Howard.

Magic C Howard working on free throws (AP)
Orlando assistant coach Patrick Ewing stood underneath the hoop, took the ball after it swished through the net and passed it back to Dwight Howard standing at the free throw line. "Twenty," Ewing said, passing the ball back. The next shot finally clanked. Then came a grimace and a grunt. "Restart the count," Howard called out.

Magic remain perfect in preseason (AP)

Ryan Anderson scored 22 points to help the Orlando Magic remain unbeaten in the preseason with a 121-86 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday night. Mickael Pietrus had 19 points for Orlando (5-0) and teammate Vince Carter scored 13 of his 18 points in the first quarter in the game played at Wichita State's Koch Arena.

Howard has double-double as Magic win (AP)

Mickael Pietrus scored 19 points and Dwight Howard and J.J. Redick each had 15 points to lead the Orlando Magic to a 102-83 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in a preseason game on Monday night. Howard also had a team-high 11 rebounds in 24 minutes as the Magic remained unbeaten in four exhibition games.

Needing point-guard help, Heat sign Arroyo
The Miami Heat have announced signing free agent guard Carlos Arroyo. Terms of the deal were not disclosed in Monday's announcement. Arroyo, a seven-year NBA veteran, spent last season in Israel playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv. He appeared in 28 games, averaging 15.3 points, 5.8 assists and 3.7 rebounds. The 30-year-old Arroyo most recently played in the NBA for Orlando. He appeared in 161 games with the Magic from 2005-08.

Shaq: Cavs probably best team I've had (AP)
Even with his four NBA titles, Shaquille O'Neal says this Cleveland Cavaliers team could be better than all the rest. That would include the 2000 Lakers, when O'Neal and Kobe Bryant led Los Angeles a 67-15 record and a title. The Cavaliers won 66 games last season, but lost to Orlando in the Eastern Conference finals.

Carter scores 21 in Magic debut (AP)

Vince Carter scored 21 points in his Orlando debut and Brandon Bass added seven of his 13 points in the final two minutes to lift the Magic to a 110-105 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the preseason opener for both teams on Monday night. Carter, who was acquired by the Magic in an offseason trade with the New Jersey Nets, scored 15 points in the third quarter.

Carter, Bass lift Magic in preseason opener
Vince Carter scored 21 points in his Orlando debut and Brandon Bass added seven of his 13 points in the final two minutes to lift the Magic to a 110-105 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the preseason opener for both teams on Monday night. Carter, who was acquired by the Magic in an offseason trade with the New Jersey Nets, scored 15 points in the third quarter.

Carter's 21 in Magic debut help knock off Mavs
Vince Carter scored 21 points in his Magic debut and Orlando beat Dallas on Monday.

Carter scores 21 in Magic debut (AP)

Vince Carter scored 21 points in his Orlando debut and Brandon Bass added seven of his 13 points in the final two minutes to lift the Magic to a 110-105 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the preseason opener for both teams on Monday night. Carter, who was acquired by the Magic in an offseason trade with the Toronto Raptors, scored 15 points in the third quarter.

Report: Magic extend deals for Van Gundy, Smith
The Orlando Magic have extended the contracts of general manager Otis Smith and coach Stan Van Gundy, a person familiar with the negotiations said Monday. The person says the team picked up options that extend Van Gundy through the 2010-11 season and Smith through 2011-12. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deals have not been officially announced. The Orlando Sentinel first reported the extensions Monday.

New-look Magic begin training camp (AP)
Orlando general manager Otis Smith only had to look at the Eastern Conference championship banner that hangs above the team's practice facility if had any regrets about overhauling a roster that got the Magic to the NBA finals last season. Just another sign that Orlando wasn't good enough. Smith had a summer full of bold moves for a team fresh off a finals appearance -- moves that will...

Source: Magic extend Van Gundy, GM Smith (AP)
The Orlando Magic have extended the contracts of general manager Otis Smith and coach Stan Van Gundy, a person familiar with the negotiations said Monday. The person says the team picked up options that extend Van Gundy through the 2010-11 season and Smith through 2011-12. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deals have not been officially announced.

Report: Orlando Magic extend Stan Van Gundy, Otis Smith deals
The Magic have extended the contracts of general manager Otis Smith and coach Stan Van Gundy.

Cleveland throws party to welcome Shaq to Cavs
Shaq got in one last party before training camp. All-Star center Shaquille O'Neal, the big man Cleveland is counting on to deliver this championship-starved city a title, was welcomed to town on Sunday with a star-studded celebration that included sports celebrities and Average Joes looking to rub elbows with them. The 37-year-old O'Neal was acquired by the Cavaliers in June, shortly after the team was eliminated by the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Agent: Bogans to sign 1-year deal with Spurs
Guard Keith Bogans is the latest newcomer to the San Antonio Spurs. Bogans' agent, Michael Harrison, says he is set to sign a guaranteed one-year deal with the Spurs before training camp starts next week. San Antonio will be Bogan's fifth team in seven seasons. The 29-year-old Bogans averaged 5.6 points playing for Orlando and Milwaukee last season. His biggest asset to the Spurs will be on defense after the Spurs traded away Bruce Bowen this summer. Bowen has since retired.

Agent: G Bogans to sign with Spurs (AP)
Guard Keith Bogans is the latest newcomer to the San Antonio Spurs. Bogans' agent, Michael Harrison, says he is set to sign a guaranteed one-year deal with the Spurs before training camp starts next week. San Antonio will be Bogan's fifth team in seven seasons. The 29-year-old Bogans averaged 5.6 points playing for Orlando and Milwaukee last season.

Magic sign Williams after not playing last year
The Orlando Magic have announced signing free agent guard Jason Williams. General Manager Otis Smith said Wednesday that Williams will provide depth and leadership to the team's backcourt. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Williams retired in September 2008 after playing a season for the Miami Heat, where he average 8.8 points per game. He did not play the 2008-09 season. Williams was a first-round draft pick and seventh overall in 1998.

Jason Williams unretires, joins Magic (AP)
The Orlando Magic have announced signing free agent guard Jason Williams. General Manager Otis Smith said Wednesday that Williams will provide depth and leadership to the team's backcourt. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Williams retired in September 2008 after playing a season for the Miami Heat, where he average 8.8 points per game.

Jason Williams coming back, signs with Orlando Magic
The Magic signed free-agent point guard Jason Williams on Wednesday.

Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James remains unrepentant about not shaking hands with the Orlando Magic after the Eastern Conference finals
Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James remains unrepentant about not shaking hands with the Orlando Magic after the Eastern Conference finals.

Pistons hire Brian Hill as asst. coach (AP)
The Detroit Pistons have added a veteran NBA coach to help their rookie on the bench. The Pistons said Monday they have hired Brian Hill to work as an assistant coach on John Kuester's first staff as an NBA head coach. Hill's 36-year career includes leading the Orlando Magic to the 1995 NBA finals and being the Vancouver Grizzlies' first coach.

Magic's Lewis suspended for failing drug test
All-Star forward Rashard Lewis of the Orlando Magic has been suspended without pay for 10 games for testing positive for an elevated testosterone level, the league announced Thursday.

Magic's Lewis fails drug test, must sit 10 games
Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis tested positive for an elevated testosterone level and was suspended Thursday for 10 games. Lewis said in a statement that he took an over-the-counter supplement late last season that included a substance he did not realize was banned by the NBA. "First and foremost I take full responsibility for the situation and accept the corresponding penalty," Lewis said.

Magic F Lewis gets 10-game drug ban (AP)
Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis tested positive for an elevated testosterone level and was suspended Thursday for 10 games. Lewis said in a statement that he took an over-the-counter supplement late last season that included a substance he did not realize was banned by the NBA. "First and foremost I take full responsibility for the situation and accept the corresponding penalty,"...

76ers make former coach Ayers assistant (AP)
Former Philadelphia 76ers coach Randy Ayers has returned to the organization as an assistant under Eddie Jordan. Ayers was fired only 52 games into the 2003-04 season. He also was an assistant in Orlando and was on Jordan's staff in Washington. Ayers also was a head coach in college at Ohio State and led the Buckeyes to consecutive Big Ten titles in 1991 and 1992.

Making sense of the new landscape
Who are some of the bigger winners and losers in Fantasy for 2009-10 based on what has transpired in the offseason? Our Sergio Gonzalez loves Emeka Okafor in New Orleans and thinks Vince Carter could produce career lows now that he's in Orlando.




Making sense of the new landscape
Who are some of the bigger winners and losers in Fantasy for 2009-10 based on what has transpired in the offseason? Our Sergio Gonzalez loves Emeka Okafor in New Orleans and thinks Vince Carter could produce career lows now that he's in Orlando.




Carter just wants to fit in with Magic (AP)
Vince Carter isn't looking to replace Dwight Howard as the face of the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic. Not even close. The recently acquired Carter just wants to fit with his new team and get the prize that has eluded him for a decade in the NBA -- a championship ring. "I think we have a wonderful team," Carter said of the Magic during a break at his basketball camp.

Sources: Drew Gooden agrees to sign with the Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are making use of some of the money they got back when Orlando matched their offer sheet earlier this month to restricted free agent Marcin Gortat by signing unrestricted free agent Drew Gooden.

Police: Shaq's wife hurt in minor crash (AP)
The wife of basketball star Shaquille O'Neal is recovering from a minor fender bender. Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Kim Miller says Shaunie O'Neal was a passenger in a town car that was rear-ended by another car at an intersection in Orlando Tuesday. Authorities say the town car had stopped at the intersection when the light turned yellow.

Scoring F Barnes reaches 2-year deal with Magic
Well-traveled free-agent forward Matt Barnes has agreed to a two-year contract with the Orlando Magic. Barnes' agent, Aaron Goodwin, who also represents Magic All-Star center Dwight Howard, confirmed the deal in an e-mail Monday, but declined to disclose financial terms. The Magic said they had nothing to announce yet. The 6-foot-7 Barnes averaged a career-high 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in 77 games last season for the Phoenix Suns.

Barnes, Magic agree to 2-year contract (AP)
Well-traveled free-agent forward Matt Barnes has agreed to a two-year contract with the Orlando Magic. Barnes' agent, Aaron Goodwin, who also represents Magic All-Star center Dwight Howard, confirmed the deal in an e-mail Monday, but declined to disclose financial terms. The Magic said they had nothing to announce yet.

Sources: Orlando Magic near deal with forward Matt Barnes
Sources say the Magic are nearing an agreement with forward Matt Barnes.

Hawks announce deals with Bibby, Pachulia
The Atlanta Hawks are hustling to keep pace with the Eastern Conference's elite teams. The Hawks, who traded for guard Jamal Crawford last month, on Monday announced they have re-signed unrestricted free agents Mike Bibby and Zaza Pachulia. The Hawks finished the 2008-09 regular season as the No. 4 team in the conference. Coach Mike Woodson said moves made by Eastern Conference powers Boston, Orlando and Cleveland put pressure on the Hawks to also be active this offseason.

Magic match offer from Mavs to retain Gortat
The Orlando Magic have retained backup center Marcin Gortat, matching the $34 million, five-year deal offered by the Dallas Mavericks to the restricted free agent. The Magic made the announcement Monday. Gortat averaged 3.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in about 12 minutes per game last season as a solid backup to Dwight Howard. Dallas was targeting Gortat as a backup to Erick Dampier or possibly his eventual replacement because of Dampier's expiring contract.

NBA free agents: Sources: Magic to match Mavs' offer to Gortat
Orlando Magic will keep Marcin Gortat by matching the five-year, $34-million offer sheet extended to him by the Dallas Mavericks, the Orlando Sentinel reported Monday.

F Bass headed from Mavs to Magic
Brandon Bass is going from backing up Dirk Nowitzki to likely starting next to Dwight Howard. Bass agreed to leave Dallas and sign with the Orlando Magic, the Eastern Conference champions announced Friday. The Magic did not disclose terms of the deal. NBA.com, which first reported the signing, said it was a four-year contract for around $18 million, with an escape clause after three years.

Grizz cut Stackhouse 1 day after dealing for him
The Memphis Grizzlies have waived Jerry Stackhouse, just a day after acquiring the NBA veteran in a four-team, eight-player trade. General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced the move Friday after Thursday's blockbuster deal involving the Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic.

Source: Orlando Magic, Brandon Bass agree to four-year, $18 million contract
The Magic have a agreed to a four-year, $18 million contract with free-agent forward Brandon Bass, a source close to the process told ESPN.com's Chad Ford.

Grizzlies waive just-acquired Stackhouse (AP)
The Memphis Grizzlies have waived Jerry Stackhouse, just a day after acquiring the NBA veteran in a four-team, eight-player trade. General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced the move Friday after Thursday's blockbuster deal involving the Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic.

Source: Mavs F Bass to sign with Magic (AP)
A person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press that Mavericks forward Brandon Bass is headed to Orlando. Bass agreed Friday to sign with the Magic, according to the person, who was granted anonymity because the Magic had not made an announcement. NBA.com, which first reported the signing, said it was a four-year deal for around $18 million with an escape clause after three...

Blazers' Pritchard interested in Millsap (AP)
After losing out on Hedo Turkoglu, the Portland Trail Blazers are considering Paul Millsap. Turkoglu, who helped Orlando to the NBA finals, arrived in Portland last week to speak with the Blazers before negotiations were abruptly cut off. He has since been acquired by the Toronto Raptors. "We got to a point where we both felt comfortable," Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard told...

Raptors confirm acquisition of Turkoglu
The Toronto Raptors confirmed their acquisition of forward Hedo Turkoglu on Thursday, perhaps the most significant free agent addition in the team's history. The 6-foot-10 forward was one of the most coveted free agents available, coming off a season in which he helped the Orlando Magic reach the NBA finals. The nine-year NBA veteran appeared poised to sign with the Portland Trail Blazers last Friday before Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo swooped in and nabbed the Turkish forward.

Pacers sign top pick Hansbrough to rookie deal
The Indiana Pacers have signed Tyler Hansbrough, the former North Carolina star who was the team's top pick in the NBA draft. The 6-foot-9 forward had been playing with the Pacers summer league team in Orlando, Fla., before his singing was announced Wednesday. As the 13th overall pick, he's slotted in the NBA's rookie salary scale to receive about $1.5 million this season and nearly $1.7 million next season, with a $1.8 million option for his third year.

Pacers sign top pick Hansbrough (AP)
The Indiana Pacers have signed Tyler Hansbrough, the former North Carolina star who was the team's top pick in the NBA draft. The 6-foot-9 forward had been playing with the Pacers summer league team in Orlando, Fla., before his singing was announced Wednesday. As the 13th overall pick, he's slotted in the NBA's rookie salary scale to receive about $1.5 million this season and nearly...

Report: Mavericks to acquire Marion from Raptors
A person with knowledge of the deal says the Dallas Mavericks will acquire forward Shawn Marion from Toronto. The trade is not official, but the person told The Associated Press on Wednesday it should be completed. The person was granted anonymity because the deal was still being worked on. The Raptors couldn't afford to re-sign Marion because they need to clear salary cap space for Hedo Turkoglu. They are close to an agreement with the Orlando Magic free agent.

Reports: Turkoglu opts for Raptors over Blazers
Turkish forward Hedo Turkoglu will join the Toronto Raptors after spurning the Portland Trail Blazers, according to multiple reports. The 208-centimeter (6-foot-10) free agent helped Orlando to the NBA finals last season. On Friday, a person close to the Blazers confirmed that Turkoglu ended contract talks with them. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations.

Reports: Turkoglu will join Raptors (AP)
Free agent Hedo Turkoglu will join the Toronto Raptors after spurning the Portland Trail Blazers, according to multiple reports. The 6-foot-10 forward helped Orlando to the NBA finals last season. On Friday, a person close to the Blazers confirmed that Turkoglu ended contract talks with them. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations.

Report: Turkoglu cuts off talks with Blazers
Free-agent forward Hedo Turkoglu and the Portland Trail Blazers have ended contract talks, a person close to the team confirmed Friday. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations. Turkoglu's agent, Lon Babby, didn't immediately return calls or e-mails. The 6-foot-10 forward who helped the Orlando Magic to the NBA finals arrived in Portland on Thursday to meet Blazers executives and tour the city.

NBA free agents: Orlando Magic's Marcin Gortat appears bound for Dallas Mavericks
Restricted free-agent center Marcin Gortat was scheduled to fly to Dallas on Thursday after giving the Mavericks a verbal commitment to sign an offer sheet with them July 8, according to NBA front-office sources.

NBA free agents: Houston Rockets target Magic free-agent center Gortat
Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey showed up at center Marcin Gortat's home in Orlando just after midnight Wednesday, virtually the minute teams were officially allowed to begin negotiating with free agents

Rockets GM Morey woos Gortat at midnight (AP)
Daryl Morey is using the personal touch to lure free-agent Orlando center Marcin Gortat. The Houston Rockets general manager showed up at Gortat's home in Orlando just after midnight (Eastern time) Wednesday, virtually the minute teams were officially allowed to begin negotiating with free agents.

Agent: Turkoglu to visit Portland
Turkish free agent forward Hedo Turkoglu will visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. In an e-mail to The Associated Press, agent Lon Babby said Turkoglu will be in Portland on Thursday. He did not elaborate. Turkoglu, who helped Orlando to the NBA finals this past season, informed the Magic he planned to opt out of his contract last week when the team acquired Vince Carter from the New Jersey Nets, Babby said earlier. Turkoglu was due $7.

Turkoglu to visit with Trail Blazers (AP)
Hedo Turkoglu will visit with the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. In an e-mail to The Associated Press, agent Lon Babby says Turkoglu will be in Portland on Thursday. He did not elaborate. Turkoglu, who helped Orlando to the NBA finals this past season, informed the Magic he planned to opt out of his contract last week when the team acquired Vince Carter from the New Jersey Nets, Babby said...

Rockets heavily pursue Magic C Marcin Gortat
The Houston Rockets launched an all-out bid to sign Polish center Marcin Gortat on Wednesday, including an offer for the Orlando Magic backup player. With the future of star Yao Ming uncertain, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey showed up at Gortat's home in Orlando just after midnight local time, virtually the minute that NBA teams were officially allowed to begin negotiating with free agents.

NBA free agents: Hedo Turkoglu to visit with Portland Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan is flying to Orlando to have a Wednesday night dinner with the Blazers' top free-agent target, Hedo Turkoglu.

Magic formula: Lots of 3s, lots of wins (AP)
When Stan Van Gundy came to the Orlando Magic, he never expected to be coaching a team would lead the NBA in 3-point shooting. Not that he's complaining. The Magic entered Monday leading the NBA in both 3-pointers made (430, 64 percent more than the league average) and accuracy (40.3 percent) -- two major reasons why Orlando has matched the best 41-game start in franchise history.

Magic top Lakers behind Nelson, Howard (AP)

Jameer Nelson scored 15 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter, Dwight Howard had 25 points and 20 rebounds and the Orlando Magic beat the Los Angeles Lakers 109-103 Friday night. Kobe Bryant had 28 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists for Los Angeles, but missed two jumpers in the waning moments. The triple-double was the 15th of Bryant's career, but his first since April 1, 2005.

Magic win seventh straight, rip Nuggets (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu scored 31 points, Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis had 23 each and the Orlando Magic completed a perfect four-game West Coast trip with a 106-88 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. Dwight Howard had 14 points and 20 rebounds to help the Magic win their seventh straight and ninth in 10 games.

Kings hold off Warriors 135-133 in 3 OTs (AP)

The Sacramento Kings were eager to get back on the court after a demoralizing loss to Orlando -- and boy did they get to play, all right. Almost all night. John Salmons hit a 17-footer with 1.6 seconds remaining in the third overtime and the Kings held on to beat the injury-depleted Golden State Warriors 135-133 on Wednesday night, ending a 12-game road losing streak dating to Nov.

Magic make NBA-record 23 3s, rout Kings (AP)

Even the guys at the end of the bench were making 3-pointers on a record-setting night for the Orlando Magic. Seldom-used Jeremy Richardson's lone basket proved the most memorable Tuesday night, a 3-pointer with 2:20 left in the fourth quarter that gave the Magic an NBA-record 23 3s in a 139-107 victory over the Sacramento Kings.

Magic beat Spurs for fourth straight win (AP)

Now that they look at the standings and see they stack up favorably with recent NBA finalists, the young Orlando Magic feel they've done some growing up lately. Dwight Howard scored 24 points, Jameer Nelson had eight of his 22 in the final two minutes, and the Magic beat the San Antonio Spurs 105-98 on Sunday night.

Magic roll to 11th straight home win (AP)

The second half of a home-and-home series was over by halftime. The Orlando Magic won their 11th straight home game and put on their most devastating offensive show of the season in routing the Atlanta Hawks 121-87 on Friday night. The Magic starters, led by Hedo Turkoglu's 21 points, were a combined 24-of-39 from the field, including 10-of-13 from 3-point range.

Magic hold on, hand Hawks rare home loss (AP)

The Orlando Magic built a big lead, then held on to hand the Atlanta Hawks a rare loss at home. Dwight Howard had 23 points and 19 rebounds, helping the Magic hold on for a 106-102 victory Wednesday night in a matchup of the top two teams in the Southeast Division. Orlando nearly squandered a 21-point advantage, catching a huge break when Mike Bibby missed a breakaway layup that should have pulled...

Magic hold off Butler, Wizards 89-80 (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu scored 22 points and the Orlando Magic held off a late scoring burst by Caron Butler in an 89-80 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. Butler had 29 points, all in the second half, but the recently energized Wizards (7-26) failed in their bid to win for the fourth time in six games.

Raptors F O'Neal, G Calderon out against Magic
Forward Jermaine O'Neal and guard Jose Calderon missed the Toronto Raptors' game Sunday against the Orlando Magic because of injuries.

Raptors overcome Howard's 39, beat Magic (AP)

Anthony Parker scored a season-high 26 points, Chris Bosh added 23 points and 10 rebounds and the Toronto Raptors overcame a 39-point performance by Orlando's Dwight Howard to beat the Magic 108-102 on Sunday. Parker was 13-of-16 from the field and came within one point of his career high. The Raptors also got 18 points from Andrea Bargnani, 12 from Roko Ukic and 11 from Will Solomon.

Magic win 10th straight vs. Heat, 86-76 (AP)

Rashard Lewis had 17 points and Jameer Nelson scored 16 to help the Orlando Magic overcome a big game from Dwyane Wade and beat the Miami Heat, 86-76 Friday night. Dwight Howard, the leader in All-Star balloting, added 15 points and 15 rebounds for the Magic, who extended their regular-season winning streak to 10 straight over their instate rivals.

Magic win for eighth time in 9 games (AP)

The way he's pouring in the points, Rashard Lewis just might shoot his way into the All-Star game. Lewis set the tone by scoring 16 of his 21 points in the first half and the Orlando Magic rolled over the Chicago Bulls 113-94 for their eighth win in nine games. "Especially in the first half, I felt like I wasn't going to miss a shot," Lewis said.

Magic lose Pietrus indefinitely to broken wrist
Orlando Magic guard Mickael Pietrus will be out indefinitely after breaking his right wrist on a dunk against Detroit on Monday.

Pistons end Magic's 7-game win streak (AP)

Rodney Stuckey led a balanced attack with 19 points and the Detroit Pistons won their fourth straight with an 88-82 victory over the Orlando Magic on Monday night. The Magic had won seven straight and were playing a Detroit team that was missing Richard Hamilton (groin), but they trailed for nearly the entire game.

Magic win seventh straight, beat Wolves (AP)

Jameer Nelson and Hedo Turkoglu made sure there would be no letdown for the Orlando Magic. Turkoglu scored 11 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, Nelson returned with an injured toe to score 12 in the final frame, and the Magic slowly pulled away to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-94 on Saturday night.

Magic number 7: Orlando fattens up on Wolves
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Magic C Howard to defend NBA dunk crown (AP)
Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard will try to defend his Slam Dunk championship at the NBA All-Star weekend in Phoenix in February. In New Orleans last season, Howard edged defending champion Gerald Green for the title in one of the most creative competitions in recent history. Howard scored perfect 50s on both of his first-round dunks -- one of which included his donning a cape for a "Superman"...

Magic rout Hornets, Paul's streak ends (AP)

First, Stan Van Gundy praised the Orlando Magic after their latest win. Then, he criticized them for a lackluster second half. Hedo Turkoglu scored 20 points to lead the Magic to an 88-68 win over the New Orleans Hornets on Thursday in a matchup of division leaders. "Our first half was our best offensive half of the year," the Orlando coach said.

Nelson leads Magic over Warriors 113-81 (AP)

Jameer Nelson scored 22 points and had seven assists to help the Orlando Magic rout the Golden State Warriors 113-81 on Monday night. Nelson, named NBA Player of the Week for the first time in his career earlier on Monday, was 9-for-9 from the field -- including hitting four 3-pointers. He had 13 points and four assists in the third period when the Magic blew open a close game with a 22-9 run on...

Magic overcome Bryant's 41, top Lakers (AP)

Jameer Nelson had 27 points, and Orlando overcame Kobe Bryant's season-high 41 points in the Magic's 106-103 victory over the Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. Orlando held a lead late in the fourth quarter, and foul-plagued Dwight Howard hit a pair of free throws with just over a minute left.

Nelson leads surging Magic past Spurs (AP)

Jameer Nelson scored 24 points, and Dwight Howard had 14 points and 13 rebounds to help the Orlando Magic win for the seventh time in eight games, 90-78 over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night. Howard picked up his fifth foul halfway into the fourth quarter and went to the bench. That wasn't anything new for the Magic, who played the last two games with the All-Star center sidelined by a sore...

Nelson's career-high 32 lift Magic (AP)
Jameer Nelson wasn't keeping track of how many shots he was taking. All he knew was his team needed some offense and he was feeling good. Nelson scored 23 of his career high-tying 32 points in the second half, and the Orlando Magic beat the Golden State Warriors 109-98 on Monday night for their fourth win in five road games.

Howard-less Magic defeat Jazz 103-94 (AP)

Rashard Lewis scored 27 points, and the Orlando Magic beat the Utah Jazz 103-94 on Saturday night despite playing without injured center Dwight Howard for the first time. Howard missed the first game of his career because of a left knee injury sustained in Friday's loss at Phoenix. He had played in all 351 games since being drafted No.

Hill's late layup lifts Suns over Magic (AP)

Grant Hill had two thoughts as he ran the baseline in the closing seconds: Would he receive the pass, and should he dunk the ball? Hill settled for a reverse layup with 2.7 seconds left to lift the Phoenix Suns to a 113-112 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night. "Those days are long gone," Hill said of the dunking option.

Wolves' Miller returns from ankle injury (AP)
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Mike Miller returned to the court after missing four games with an injured right ankle. Miller started for the Wolves on Friday night against San Antonio. He sprained his ankle at Orlando on Dec. 3. In that time, Minnesota fired Randy Wittman and installed former vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale as coach.

Orlando's Howard leads early All-Star voting
Orlando center Dwight Howard leads early balloting for the NBA All-Star game with 775,933 votes and is followed by Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers' star, has 719,252 votes and Cleveland's James has 643,786, according to early returns released by the league on Thursday. Boston's Kevin Garnett trails James among Eastern Conference forwards. Miami's Dwyane Wade leads the guards (623,311) and is followed by Detroit's Allen Iverson.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/482062126" height="1" width="1"/

Magic's Howard leads early All-Star voting
Orlando center Dwight Howard leads early balloting for the NBA All-Star Game with 775,933 votes and is followed by Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

Turkoglu's 3 with 0.3 left lifts Magic (AP)

In a game of back and forth between Portland and Orlando, the Magic hit the last big shot -- maybe a lucky one. Orlando made three 3-pointers during the final 1:57, including Hedo Turkoglu's 25-footer that banked in with 0.3 seconds left, and rallied to beat Portland 109-108 on Tuesday night. Southeast Division-leading Orlando (17-5) went 14-of-27 from 3-point range.

Howard's 23 and 22 help Magic win (AP)

Dwight Howard led Orlando with 23 points and 22 rebounds, and the Magic beat the Los Angeles Clippers 95-88 on Monday night. Howard hit 20-20 for the second game in a row and it was his 17th double-double of the season. He also had six blocks and four assists on his 23rd birthday. Howard had 21 points and 23 boards in a 98-89 over Oklahoma City on Friday.

Howard's 21 and 23 get Magic by Thunder (AP)

Dwight Howard had 21 points and 23 rebounds to lead the Orlando Magic to a 98-89 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. Jameer Nelson added 15 points for Southeast Division-leading Orlando, set to open a five-game West Coast trip on Monday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. Russell Westbrook had 19 points for Oklahoma City, and Kevin Durant added 16.

Howard, Lewis lift Magic by Timberwolves (AP)
Dwight Howard had 23 points and 14 rebounds, and Rashard Lewis also scored 23 points to lead the Orlando Magic to a 100-89 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Hedo Turkoglu added 22 for the Magic, who have won two of three despite missing their top three guards with injuries. Al Jefferson had 19 to lead the Timberwolves.

Celtics win ninth straight, beat Magic (AP)
Paul Pierce scored 17 of his 24 points in the third quarter to lead the Boston Celtics to their ninth straight win, 107-88 over the Orlando Magic on Monday night. Ray Allen added 21 points, Rajon Rondo had 16 points with 12 assists and Kevin Garnett scored 15 points for the Celtics (17-2) in a win over a top Eastern Conference rival.

Magic's Pietrus is out 3-5 weeks with thumb injury
Orlando Magic guard Mickael Pietrus will be out three to five weeks because of a torn ligament in his right thumb.

Howard's 32 and 21 help Magic stay hot (AP)

Dwight Howard had a season-high 32 points, 21 rebounds and four blocks, and Rashard Lewis added 24 points to help the Orlando Magic beat the Indiana Pacers 110-96 on Saturday night. Hedo Turkoglu added 22 points, and Anthony Johnson had a season-high 16. The Magic have won four in a row and nine of their last 10.

Magic lose G Pietrus for at least 3 weeks
Orlando Magic guard Mickael Pietrus will be out three to five weeks because of a torn ligament in his right thumb. Pietrus averages nearly 13 points and is one of the Magic's main 3-point shooters. He hurt his thumb against Philadelphia last week. Pietrus played with the injury against the Wizards on Thursday but an MRI revealed the damage Friday. The injury leaves an already thin Magic backcourt even thinner.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/469563513" height="1" width="1"/

Magic extend road win streak to 6 (AP)

Dwight Howard had 26 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks, and Hedo Turkoglu added 20 points and a season-high 10 rebounds to help the Orlando Magic beat the Washington Wizards 105-90 on Thursday night. Orlando has won eight of its last nine games and six in a row on the road. Caron Butler scored 19 of his 25 points in the first half for Washington, and Antawn Jamison had 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Bogut to miss time with bruised knee
Bucks center Andrew Bogut of Australia will be sidelined for a week to 10 days after sustaining a bone bruise to his left knee Monday in a loss at Orlando. The announcement from Milwaukee general manager John Hammond said the injury was revealed in an MRI scan taken Tuesday in Atlanta, where the Bucks play the Hawks on Wednesday. Bogut, who left Monday night's game in the third quarter after getting hurt, is averaging 11.4 points and 10.9 rebounds in 16 games this season.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/467765077" height="1" width="1"/

Lewis' 3 lifts Magic over 76ers 96-94 (AP)

Rashard Lewis scored 19 points and hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 4.7 seconds left to lead the Orlando Magic to a 96-94 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. Lewis inbounded to Hedo Turkoglu, who took several dribbles down the lane before passing to Lewis on the left wing. Lewis drained the shot and the 76ers, without any timeouts left, could manage only Andre Miller's 40-footer...

Knee injury to sideline Bucks' Bogut 7-10 days
Bucks center Andrew Bogut will be sidelined for a week to 10 days after sustaining a bone bruise to his left knee Monday night in a loss at Orlando.

Howard's 24 and 13 lead Magic past Bucks (AP)

Dwight Howard had 24 points and 13 rebounds to help the Orlando Magic beat the Milwaukee Bucks 108-101 on Monday night. Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis each added 22 points for the Magic. Richard Jefferson scored 25 points to lead Milwaukee, which lost Andrew Bogut to a left knee bruise in the third quarter.

Rockets snap Magic's 5-game win streak (AP)

Dwight Howard might be regarded as the best center in the NBA by the end of this season, but Yao Ming let him know that debate still has a ways to go before it's settled. Yao, Houston's 7-foot-6 All-Star, outplayed Howard in nearly every phase Saturday night, scoring 22 points and taking down 13 rebounds while carrying a tired Houston Rocket team to a 100-95 victory over Howard and the Orlando...

Bucks' Redd might miss another week with ankle
Milwaukee Bucks leading scorer Michael Redd could be out another week as he continues a slow recovery from a right ankle injury. Redd has not played since sustaining a high-ankle sprain at New York on Nov. 2. He did not travel with the team for the start of the Bucks' four-game road trip at Charlotte, and coach Scott Skiles said he doesn't expect Redd to join the team on the road. The Bucks also visit Orlando, Atlanta and Detroit before returning home on Nov. 29 to face Cleveland.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/462335648" height="1" width="1"/

Howard's 24 and 17 get Magic by Pacers (AP)

Dwight Howard had 24 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks, and the Orlando Magic beat the Indiana Pacers 100-98 in overtime on Friday night. Howard blocked a potential game-winning shot at the end of regulation, then altered what would have been a game-tying shot in the closing seconds of overtime. Rashard Lewis scored 23 points for the Magic and made what turned out to be the game-winning basket...

Bosh scores 40 but Raptors fall to Magic (AP)

Jameer Nelson scored a season-high 22 points to lead Orlando to a 103-90 win over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night, overcoming a season-high 40-point effort by Chris Bosh. Bosh also had 18 rebounds, but the Raptors had 24 turnovers. Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu each added 22 points and Dwight Howard had 18 for the Magic, who beat the Raptors 4-1 in their Eastern Conference playoff series...

Hedo Turkoglu holds together Orlando Magic in win over Charlotte Bobcats
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Magic top Bobcats despite Howard's woes (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu scored 20 points to lead the Orlando Magic to a 90-85 win Sunday night over the Charlotte Bobcats. Mickael Pietrus scored 18 points, Rashard Lewis had 17 and Jameer Nelson had 15 for Orlando. All-Star center Dwight Howard was shut down by Charlotte's defense, scoring just four points, and fouled out for the first time this season with 3:18 remaining.

Magic hand Mavericks fifth straight loss (AP)

Rashard Lewis scored 23 points, including the tying and go-ahead points on free throws with 10.9 seconds left, to give the Orlando Magic a 102-100 victory over the careening Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. The Magic trailed for all but a few seconds over the first 45-plus minutes, but clutch baskets by Jameer Nelson and a pair of tough 3-pointers by Mickael Pietrus put Orlando ahead.

Bobcats' Richardson out about a week (AP)
Charlotte Bobcats scoring leader Jason Richardson will be out about a week following arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Richardson underwent an exploratory procedure Wednesday after complaining about inflammation. A team spokesman said no structural damage was found, but Richardson will miss Friday's game against Utah and is doubtful for Sunday's contest against Orlando.

Magic's Howard has first triple-double (AP)

Even after his latest feat made his nickname a little outdated, Dwight Howard doesn't mind if people still call him "The Daily Double." Howard recorded his first career triple-double with 30 points, 19 rebounds and 10 blocks Wednesday night and the Orlando Magic beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 109-92.

Thunder F Durant out with ankle injury (AP)
Kevin Durant missed the Oklahoma City Thunder's game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night because of a sore left ankle. Coach P.J. Carlesimo said Durant will be day-to-day and his status for Friday's game at New York is up in the air. Desmond Mason started in his place against Orlando. "We're looking at a back-to-back, so you don't know," Carlesimo said, referring to games Friday and...

Thunder's Durant out vs. Magic
Kevin Durant missed the Oklahoma City Thunder's game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night because of a sore left ankle. Coach P.J. Carlesimo said Durant will be day-to-day and his status for Friday's game at New York is up in the air. Desmond Mason started in his place against Orlando. Durant, the NBA's rookie of the year, scored 37 points in Oklahoma City's loss at Indiana on Monday, but only practiced for a few minutes on Tuesday because of the ankle.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/451300706" height="1" width="1"/

Richardson to miss a week after surgery
Bobcats scoring leader Jason Richardson will be out about a week following arthroscopic surgery Wednesday on his right knee. The 6-foot-6 guard will miss Friday's game against Utah and is doubtful for Sunday against Orlando, the team said. Richardson is averaging 17.6 points. He led Charlotte with 23 points in an 88-80 loss to Denver on Tuesday that dropped the Bobcats to 2-5 under coach Larry Brown.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/450977852" height="1" width="1"/

Roy's 27 lead Blazers to first road win (AP)

Brandon Roy scored 27 points to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to their first road win with a 106-99 victory over the Orlando Magic on Monday night. Dwight Howard had 29 points and a season-high 18 rebounds and Hedo Turkoglu added 35 points for the Magic, who finished their homestand 4-1. Point guard Steve Blake and reserve Travis Outlaw had 20 apiece as Portland's bench outscored Orlando's 40-12.

Howard helps Magic win fourth straight (AP)

Dwight Howard had a season-high 31 points and 16 rebounds and also blocked three shots to help the Orlando Magic win their fourth straight game, 106-81 over the winless Washington Wizards on Saturday night. Howard, who leads the NBA in blocked shots, hit 11 of 13 shots and nine of 14 free throws. Mickael Pietrus added 18 points, and Keith Bogans had 13 for Orlando (4-2).

Magic beat 76ers for third straight win (AP)
Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis scored 20 points apiece and the Orlando Magic overcame Dwight Howard's foul trouble to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 98-88 on Thursday night. With All-Star center Howard limited to only four minutes in the first half, the Magic got strong performances from Tony Battie and Lewis, who picked up the rebounding slack as Orlando won its third straight game.

Howard's 22 and 15 lift Magic over Bulls (AP)
Dwight Howard had 22 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Orlando Magic past the Chicago Bulls, 96-93 on Monday night. Chicago's Ben Gordon missed a fall-away jumper with 15 seconds left that would have tied the game and the ball was batted out of bounds off Chicago. Rashard Lewis made two of four free throws in the final 23 seconds before Andres Nocioni missed a leaning 3-pointer at the buzzer that...

Howard powers Magic to first victory (AP)
The Orlando Magic were one of the best offensive teams in the NBA last season and one of the worst the first two games this season. Things could be back to normal after a rousing 121-103 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night that featured four Magic starters scoring 20 or more points. Dwight Howard led the way for Orlando with 29 points and 14 rebounds, but he had plenty of help.

Howard dominates as Orlando notches 1st win
img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/439578927" height="1" width="1"/

Gay's buzzer-beater lifts Grizzlies (AP)
Rudy Gay hit an 18-foot jumper as time expired Friday night to give the Memphis Grizzlies an 86-84 win over the Orlando Magic. The shot over Keith Bogans came as Gay came around a screen by Marc Gasol. It gave Gay 29 points to lead the Grizzlies to their first win in a home opener since moving to Memphis in the 2001-02 season.

Johnson's surge helps Hawks top Magic (AP)
Joe Johnson scored 25 points, including nine in the fourth quarter, to help the Atlanta Hawks hold off a late Orlando rally for a 99-85 win Wednesday night in the season opener for both teams. Dwight Howard had 22 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Magic, who lost their home opener for only the second time in the last nine seasons.

VIDEO: NBA Preview: Southeast Division
The Southeast should belong to Orlando thanks to its backcourt. Marques Johnson's opinion of Jameer Nelson has changed.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/432973381" height="1" width="1"/

Howard looks to help Magic join elite (AP)
Dwight Howard wants to be Superman not just one day a year. Howard, the talented Orlando Magic center who wore a red cape and 'S' on his chest in winning the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Competition, doesn't want to just be the NBA's best big man. He wants to be the best player. The tools are there. The 6-foot-10 Howard can bench press 225 pounds 25 times; has a 38-inch vertical leap; is the third-fastest...

Magic win sixth straight, beat Grizzlies (AP)

Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu each scored 22 points to lead the Orlando Magic to a 101-90 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night in the final preseason game for both teams. J.J. Redick, competing for time at shooting guard, added 15 as the Magic cruised to their sixth straight preseason win.

Gay sits out with staph infection
Memphis forward Rudy Gay has a staph infection and did not play Tuesday night in the Grizzlies' preseason game against the Miami Heat. Gay will be a game-time decision for Memphis' exhibition finale Wednesday against the Orlando Magic. The team did not reveal specifics of the infection, other than saying it was "in his leg area." There are several different kinds of staph, and the most common cause skin infections and irritations limited to small area of a person's body.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/428083161" height="1" width="1"/

Howard's 29 points lead Magic over Hawks (AP)

Dwight Howard had 29 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Orlando Magic to a 109-103 preseason victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. Joe Johnson, who led the Hawks with 26 points, hit a 3-pointer with 1:10 remaining to pull the Hawks to 102-100. Howard responded with a 5-foot turnaround jumper to make it 104-100 with 54 seconds remaining.

Magic beat Heat for fourth straight win (AP)
Dwight Howard scored 26 points, and the Orlando Magic used a second-quarter run to build a big lead Saturday night before holding off the Miami Heat, 100-92 for their fourth consecutive preseason victory. The 24-6 run started with Howard's free throw with 6:04 to play in the quarter and was followed by a pair of 3-pointers from guard J.J.

Magic rally in 2nd half to beat Bobcats (AP)
Rashard Lewis scored 26 points and the Orlando Magic rallied in the second half to beat the Charlotte Bobcats 94-84 on Thursday. Dwight Howard added 15 points and Keith Bogans 14 for the Magic, who overcame poor free-throw shooting to win their third consecutive preseason game. Gerald Wallace had 18 points and nine rebounds for the Bobcats before coming out of the game in the fourth quarter with a...

Magic beat CSKA Moscow in exhibition (AP)
Dwight Howard had 28 points and 10 rebounds and the Orlando Magic overwhelmed defending Euroleague champion CSKA Moscow 94-66 in an exhibition game Friday night. Howard was 10-for-12 from the floor and added five steals in 28 minutes, Hedo Turkoglu scored 16 points and Rashard Lewis added 15 as the Magic improved to 2-1 in exhibition games.

Hawks spoil Porter's debut with Suns (AP)

Marvin Williams scored 19 points, Josh Smith had 18 and the Atlanta Hawks spoiled Terry Porter's debut as Phoenix coach, rallying to beat the Suns 100-96 Wednesday night. It was the second victory in two exhibition games for the Hawks, who also defeated Orlando on Monday. Williams and Smith got lots of offensive support.

Brown loses Bobcats preseason debut (AP)

Dwight Howard scored 20 points to lead the Orlando Magic to a 118-80 preseason rout of the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night. Rashard Lewis had 17 points to lead three other Magic players in double figures as Orlando spoiled the debut of new Bobcats coach Larry Brown. Charlotte trailed by 31 points after only one quarter, and Orlando's lead grew to as much as 44 in the fourth quarter.

Personal matter to keep Rivers from Celts tonight
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers was not with the team for its exhibition opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night so he could return to his home in Orlando, Fla., for a personal matter.

Magic pick up Redick's $2.8M option
The Orlando Magic picked up their $2.8 million option on former Duke star J.J. Redick for next season. Redick has struggled to work his way into the backcourt rotation and last season asked for a trade. He was the first guard off the bench in the Magic's loss to Atlanta in the preseason opener Monday, scoring 12 points, and drew praise from coach Stan Van Gundy for his play in practices. Redick, the team's first-round pick in 2006, originally signed a two-year deal with two one-year options.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/414093419" height="1" width="1"/

Positive sign: Redick's option picked up by Magic
The Orlando Magic picked up their $2.8 million option on former Duke star J.J. Redick for next season.

Evans, Law lift Hawks over Magic (AP)

Reserve guards Maurice Evans and Acie Law scored 17 and 20 points respectively, and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Orlando Magic 118-101 Monday night in the preseason opener for both teams. Rashard Lewis led Orlando with 22 points. Olympian Dwight Howard had 17 points, five rebounds and eight blocks. The block total matches Howard's regular-season best.

Longtime Magic forward Garrity retires from NBA
Orlando Magic forward Pat Garrity is retiring from the NBA after 10 pro seasons.

Magic F Garrity retires after 10 seasons (AP)
Orlando Magic forward Pat Garrity is retiring from the NBA. Garrity played 10 pro seasons -- nine with the Magic -- after spending his rookie year with the Phoenix Suns. He appeared in 513 games for Orlando, second most in franchise history. The 32-year-old player from Notre Dame was a free agent after last season.

Howard wants another shot at gold in '12 (AP)
Dwight Howard and his Olympic gold medal have been nearly inseparable since the Beijing Games. And the Orlando Magic center would like another one. Howard hopes to be on the roster for the 2012 London Games so he can defend his Olympic title and capture his second gold medal. "I want to be a part of the team," he said Thursday during a visit to his Atlanta alma mater.

Oklahoma City team's nickname will be Thunder
As Oklahoma City's NBA team prepared to reveal its name and logo, the NBA's Web site showed "Thunder" as the name and the color scheme as blue, yellow and orange. The franchise planned to formally reveal the team's nickname, colors and logo at 5 p.m. CDT. Earlier this week, a handful of NBA team Web sites, including that of the Orlando Magic, offered tickets for games against "the Thunder.

Arroyo signs with Israeli team
Point guard Carlos Arroyo, who spent the last two seasons with the Orlando Magic, has become the latest NBA player to bolt overseas, signing with an Israeli team. The 29-year-old Arroyo signed a one-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv. "I'm very happy we've completed this signing," Maccabi coach Effi Birnboim said Monday on the club's Web site. "Arroyo is a player of the highest standard and has been our top priority for a while. Arroyo has averaged 7 points and 3.

PG Arroyo signs with Israeli team (AP)
Point guard Carlos Arroyo, who spent the last two seasons with the Orlando Magic, has become the latest NBA player to bolt overseas, signing with an Israeli team. The 29-year-old Arroyo signed a one-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv. "I'm very happy we've completed this signing," Maccabi coach Effi Birnboim said Monday on the club's Web site.

Magic re-sign free agent Foyle
The Orlando Magic re-signed free agent center Adonal Foyle, one of four members of the Magic to play in each of the team's 82 regular-season games this past season. He averaged 1.9 points and 2.5 rebounds per game this past season. Foyle was selected in the first round - eighth overall - of the 1997 NBA draft by the Warriors and remains Golden State's franchise leader in blocked shots.

Hawks sign sixth-man Evans
The Hawks completed their deal with Maurice Evans on Tuesday, locking up a replacement for sixth-man Josh Childress. The 6-foot-5 Evans started 47 times for the Orlando Magic last season and averaged a career-high 9.3 points. He was quickly targeted by Atlanta after Childress, a restricted free agent, stunned Atlanta last week by signing with Greek powerhouse Olympiakos.

Nets introduce new guard Dooling
When he was a free agent three years ago, Keyon Dooling was wooed by the New Jersey Nets. He recalled having dinner at a New York restaurant with Nets coach Lawrence Frank and team president Rod Thorn, when he got a call from the Magic. He eventually signed a three-year contract with Orlando, turning down an offer from the Nets. Three years later, the 28-year-old guard has landed in New Jersey.

Nets acquire G Dooling from Magic (AP)
The New Jersey Nets acquired guard Keyon Dooling from the Orlando Magic in a sign and trade deal on Monday. In exchange for Dooling, the Nets gave the Magic cash and the trade exception they got in the deal that sent Jason Kidd to the Dallas Mavericks. "Keyon is a versatile NBA veteran, and we are pleased to add him to our roster," Nets president Rod Thorn said.

Nets acquire Dooling from Magic
The New Jersey Nets say they have acquired guard Keyon Dooling from the Orlando Magic in exchange for cash considerations. The eight-year NBA veteran averaged 8.1 points and 1.8 assists in 72 games for the Magic last season. Dooling previously played for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Miami Heat. He has career averages of 6.8 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists. Dooling was originally taken with the 10th overall pick out of Missouri in the 2000 NBA Draft.

Sources: Nets acquire guard Dooling from Magic
The New Jersey Nets acquired guard Keyon Dooling from the Orlando Magic for cash considerations, pending league approval, according to sources.

Magic's Howard ready to go in Beijing (AP)

Dwight Howard has been brushing up on his Chinese. He can already say "hello" and "I love you." Soon, he and his Olympic teammates hope, the All-Star center this summer will add "gold" to that list. "Everybody wants to see us win, and they're counting on us to win," Howard said Tuesday, preparing for the men's basketball training camp in Las Vegas next week before the team heads to Beijing.

Magic sign PG Johnson to back up Nelson
The Orlando Magic signed veteran free-agent point guard Anthony Johnson on Tuesday. Johnson will back up starter Jameer Nelson as he enters his 12th NBA season. He played in 69 games last season for the Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings. Johnson had a brief stint with Orlando in the 1999-2000 season, appearing in 18 games. The 33-year-old guard has played with seven different teams, averaging 5.7 points and 2.9 assists.

Magic sign Johnson to back up point guard Nelson
The Orlando Magic signed veteran free-agent point guard Anthony Johnson on Tuesday.

Magic sign free-agent PG Anthony Johnson (AP)
The Orlando Magic signed veteran free-agent point guard Anthony Johnson on Tuesday. Johnson will back up starter Jameer Nelson as he enters his 12th NBA season. He played in 69 games last season for the Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings. Johnson had a brief stint with Orlando in the 1999-2000 season, appearing in 18 games.

Bulls' Rose out with tendinitis in knee (AP)
Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose sat out the team's summer league game Wednesday with tendinitis in his right knee. Rose, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, tweaked the knee in an exhibition game Tuesday. He has struggled a little in summer league, where the Bulls are one of six teams playing five matchups in five days in Orlando.

Report: Pietrus to sign with Magic
The Orlando Magic will sign Mickael Pietrus to a multiyear deal, Florida Today reported on its Web site Tuesday. The deal is set to become official when the NBA's free-agent signing period opens Wednesday. Magic general manager Otis Smith confirmed the deal to the newspaper, and it's expected that Pietrus will immediately slide into the starting shooting guard spot with Orlando, which reached the Eastern Conference semifinals this past season.

Report: Magic to sign SG Pietrus (AP)
The Orlando Magic will sign Mickael Pietrus to a multiyear deal, Florida Today reported on its Web site Tuesday. The deal is set to become official when the NBA's free-agent signing period opens Wednesday. Magic general manager Otis Smith confirmed the deal to the newspaper, and it's expected that Pietrus will immediately slide into the starting shooting guard spot with Orlando, which reached the...

Report: Magic to sign Pietrus away from Warriors
The Orlando Magic will reportedly sign Golden State swingman Mickael Pietrus on Wednesday.

Former Sonics start over in Oklahoma (AP)

The uniforms arrived in time, black mesh with white stripes along the sides, the words "Oklahoma City" across the front of the jersey and atop a simple NBA logo. Around the bench, there was barely any SuperSonics green or gold in sight. And with that, Oklahoma City's latest NBA storyline got off to a simple start.

Rose at home in first Bulls practice
Derrick Rose had a lot of questions at his first practice with the Chicago Bulls on Thursday. "I asked a lot of them. I lost count," the 19-year-old guard said following a two-hour practice at the Bulls' suburban training facility. "(But) I felt very comfortable out there. I can't wait to get down to Orlando and start playing.

No. 1 overall pick Rose has questions in 1st practice
Derrick Rose had a lot of questions at his first practice with the Chicago Bulls on Thursday. "I asked a lot of them. I lost count," the 19-year-old guard said following a two-hour practice at the Bulls' suburban training facility. "(But) I felt very comfortable out there. I can't wait to get down to Orlando and start playing.

Magic's top-pick Lee signs, to play summer league
The Orlando Magic signed first-round draft pick Courtney Lee on Thursday.

Howard's injury could be worrisome for Team USA
Dwight Howard was forced to sit out practice Saturday due to a stress fracture of his sternum, an injury he sustained during the Orlando Magic's second round playoff loss to the Detroit Pistons.



Ariza exercises option to stay with Lakers
Forward Trevor Ariza, acquired in a November trade with Orlando, has exercised his player contract option to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers. He appeared in 24 games for the Lakers before breaking a bone in his right foot on Jan. 20. He missed the rest of the regular season and 11 playoff games before returning for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals. Ariza averaged 18 minutes a game in the regular season before being hurt, with averages of 6.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.

Scott encouraged about Hornets' future
Byron Scott had a chance to chat with Michael Jordan last week when the two were in Orlando to watch prospects work out at a pre-draft camp. When they spoke, Scott, the NBA coach of the year, had yet to agree to a contract extension with the New Orleans Hornets. Jordan, now a part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, was curious about Scott's plans. "You're not really thinking about leaving Chris Paul, are you?" Scott recalled Jordan asking. "Nah, not really," Scott replied.

Magic give GM Smith multiyear extension
The Orlando Magic signed general manager Otis Smith to a multiyear contract extension. It was a reward for building a team that won the franchise's first division title in 12 years, and advanced in the playoffs for the first time since that last title. Terms were not disclosed. Smith was promoted to full GM in 2006, after sharing the title for a season with Dave Twardzik, who remained assistant general manager. The Magic also extended Twardzik's agreement, the team said Monday.

Magic extend contract of general manager Smith
The Orlando Magic signed general manager Otis Smith to a multiyear contract extension.

Magic sign GM Otis Smith to extension (AP)
The Orlando Magic signed general manager Otis Smith to a multiyear contract extension. It was a reward for building a team that won the franchise's first division title in 12 years, and advanced in the playoffs for the first time since that last title. Terms were not disclosed. Smith was promoted to full GM in 2006, after sharing the title for a season with Dave Twardzik, who remained assistant...

Danny Green, F - CLG
UNC's Green injured in Orlando Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Anderson hopes to coach in NBA (AP)
Kenny Anderson was back on an NBA bench Wednesday, wearing a collared shirt and holding a notebook. At 37, his playing days are over. He hopes his coaching days are just beginning. The former NBA guard and New York City high school great is an assistant coach this week for one of the six teams at the league's predraft camp at the Disney complex near Orlando.

Dorsey offers 'inside' info on NBA draft's top picks
The order of the top two picks for next month's NBA draft, according to Joey Dorsey, have already been determined. Kansas State star forward Michael Beasley, Dorsey says, is going No. 1 to the Chicago Bulls. And point guard Derrick Rose, Dorsey's teammate at Memphis, is going No. 2 to the Miami Heat. "Chicago's got a lot of pressure on them because Derrick's from Chicago," Dorsey said Wednesday, the first full day of the NBA's predraft camp at the Disney complex near Orlando.

Billups ready for Game 1 of East finals
All-Star point guard Chauncey Billups has practiced with the Detroit Pistons and is expected to be ready to play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. Detroit coach Flip Saunders says Billups looked good enough in practice Thursday that he could have played if there was a game. Billups missed the last two games against the Orlando Magic in the second round with a strained right hamstring.

Magic glum after season ends vs. Pistons (AP)
Rashard Lewis walked out of the Orlando Magic practice complex in street clothes Wednesday, a glossy team picture under his arm. He had no idea what he was going to do for the next few days or weeks. He and the rest of the Magic honestly thought they'd still be playing basketball, even if few others seemed to.

Howard's going through growing pains vs. Pistons
Dwight Howard will have to be Superman to save Orlando. Mike Kahn doesn't see it happening, but says the kid will learn from it.

Pistons eliminate Magic in 5 games (AP)

The Detroit Pistons made just enough shots and stops to advance to the Eastern Conference finals for a sixth straight year. Richard Hamilton scored 19 of his 31 points in the first half, made victory-sealing free throws late in the game and Tayshaun Prince had a key block, helping Detroit hold off the Orlando Magic for a 91-86 win Tuesday night in Game 5 of the second-round series.

Pistons' Billups to miss Game 5 (AP)
Chauncey Billups doesn't do interviews before he plays, so when he spoke to reporters, that provided the update of the night. The All-Star point guard said his right hamstring was not healthy enough to help the Detroit Pistons in Game 5 of their second-round series with the Orlando Magic. "My improvement from yesterday to today was amazing, but I still haven't been able to sprint full court and...

Billups not expected to play in Game 5
Chauncey Billups is not expected to play for the Detroit Pistons in Game 5 against the Orlando Magic because of a strained right hamstring. Billups was hurt early in Game 3 and did not play the following game, which the Pistons won to take a 3-1 lead in the second-round series. The All-Star point guard went through a strenuous workout confined to a 15-foot area on Monday, the day before Game 5. Billups was replaced by rookie Rodney Stuckey and veteran Lindsey Hunter on Saturday.

Uh-oh: Nelson guarantees Magic will win Game 5
His team backed into a 3-1 corner in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson guaranteed a Magic victory when the series returns to Detroit on Tuesday.

Billups' Game 4 status uncertain despite treatment
The Detroit Pistons are aggressively treating Chauncey Billups' strained hamstring with the hope he can return for Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Orlando Magic on Saturday.

Prince gives Pistons 3-1 lead over Magic (AP)

Richard Hamilton scored 32 points and Hedo Turkoglu missed a layup with time running out as the Detroit Pistons beat the Orlando Magic 90-89 on Saturday to take a 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series. Tayshaun Prince scored 17 for Detroit, including an 11-foot runner for the go-ahead basket with 8.9 seconds left.

Pistons' Billups not in lineup in Game 4 vs. Magic
Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups won't play in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Orlando Magic on Saturday. Pistons coach Flip Saunders says Billups wouldn't be effective because of a sore hamstring. The All-Star strained it on Thursday after getting tied up under the basket with an Orlando player. With Billups out, the Pistons are activating guards Lindsey Hunter and Juan Dixon.

Pistons' Billups won't play in Game 4 against Magic
Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups won't play in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Orlando Magic on Saturday. Pistons coach Flip Saunders says Billups wouldn't be effective because of a sore hamstring. The All-Star strained it on Thursday after getting tied up under the basket with an Orlando player. With Billups out, the Pistons are activating guards Lindsey Hunter and Juan Dixon.

Billups out for Game 4; Stuckey expected to start
Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups won't play in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Orlando Magic on Saturday.

Pistons holding out hope for Billups in Game 4
Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy sees a little bit of Chauncey Billups in Pistons rookie Rodney Stuckey. Both have good size and strength for point guards and are tough to keep out of the paint. But Billups has more than 100 playoff games under his belt, and Stuckey is appearing in just his second series. The Pistons are aggressively treating Billups' strained hamstring and hope he can return for Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series in Orlando on Saturday.

Pistons PG Stuckey may spell Billups (AP)
Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy sees a little bit of Chauncey Billups in Pistons rookie Rodney Stuckey. Both have good size and strength for point guards and are tough to keep out of the paint. But Billups has more than 100 playoff games under his belt, and Stuckey is appearing in just his second series.

Pistons G Billups unsure about Game 4 (AP)

Chauncey Billups spent almost all Wednesday night in the trainer's room. He was there Thursday, when the rest of the Detroit Pistons took the court to practice. And he'll be there most of Friday, too. "He's going to have stuff he's never seen before," said Arnie Kander, Detroit's strength and conditioning coach.

Billups sore, unsure he can go in Game 4
Chauncey Billups said Thursday he was still sore, a night after he was forced to leave the Pistons' loss to Orlando in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals because of a strained right hamstring. The All-Star guard said he isn't sure if he will be ready to play in Game 4 on Saturday in Orlando. The Magic's 111-86 victory Wednesday cut the Pistons' lead to 2-1. "Just going to take it one day at a time and see what happens," Billups said.

Magic turn things around in Game 3
'Sheed couldn't guard Rashard Lewis. That's one of many reasons why Orlando dominated Detroit in Game 3, Charley Rosen says.

Lewis' 33 help Magic pull within 2-1 (AP)

The Orlando Magic won't be swept by the Detroit Pistons again. Rashard Lewis made sure of it Wednesday night. Lewis scored a career playoff-high 33 points and the Magic broke down the Pistons' stout defense in a 111-86 victory. Detroit leads the Eastern Conference semifinals 2-1, but it may have to play without All-Star point guard Chauncey Billups.

Billups leaves Pistons-Magic game early with injury
Detroit guard Chauncey Billups left the court with a strained right hamstring early in the first quarter of Game 3 of the second-round series against Orlando on Wednesday night. The Pistons said Billups' return was questionable. He got tied up with Orlando's Jameer Nelson on a drive to the basket. Nelson's leg caught Billups', and the Pistons' All-Star fell to the court. Billups is averaging 17.5 points in the postseason, second-best on the team.

Pistons' Billups strains hamstring, leaves Game 3
Detroit guard Chauncey Billups left the court with an apparent injury early in the first quarter of Game 3 of the second-round series against Orlando on Wednesday night.

Billups leaves with hamstring strain (AP)
Detroit guard Chauncey Billups left the court with a strained right hamstring early in the first quarter of Game 3 of the second-round series against Orlando on Wednesday night. The Pistons said Billups' return was questionable. He got tied up with Orlando's Jameer Nelson on a drive to the basket. Nelson's leg caught Billups', and the Pistons' All-Star fell to the court.

LIVE: Pistons playing Magic in Game 3
Dwight Howard and the Magic are staring at a 2-0 deficit and badly need to beat the Pistons tonight. Follow Game 3 LIVE from Orlando.

Magic's plane diverted due to mechanical problems
The Orlando Magic's flight from Detroit to Orlando was diverted because of a mechanical problem.

Mechanical issue diverts Magic's flight (AP)
The Orlando Magic's flight from Detroit to Orlando was diverted because of a mechanical problem. Team spokesman Joel Glass says the plane landed in Cincinnati as a precaution late Monday. The Magic were trying to return home after a 100-93 loss to the Detroit Pistons that set them back 2-0 in the second-round playoff series.

NBA admits Billups' 3 should not have counted
The NBA admitted Chauncey Billups' 3-pointer at the end of the third quarter of Monday's Detroit-Orlando playoff game should not have counted, but said referees weren't allowed to review instant replay to determine that.

NBA: Billups' shot should not have counted
The NBA admitted Chauncey Billups' 3-pointer at the end of the third quarter of Monday's Detroit-Orlando playoff game should not have counted, but said referees weren't allowed to review instant replay to determine that. League president Joel Litvin also said the disputed shot, which gave Detroit a 78-76 lead in its 100-93 victory, could not have been replayed after the clock malfunction was discovered.

Magic need perfection vs. Pistons (AP)
The Orlando Magic know what it takes to beat the Detroit Pistons. Take care of the ball. Don't force shots. Find the open man. And don't get frustrated. They have done that for stretches of their second-round, best-of-seven series -- none more impressive than a 36-point third quarter in a 100-93 loss on Monday.

Pistons' Billups wins sportsmanship award
Chauncey Billups was presented with the NBA's Walter J. Kennedy sportsmanship award Monday night before Detroit's playoff game against the Orlando Magic. The award, which is voted on by the Professional Basketball Writers Association, is given to a player or coach who shows "outstanding service and dedication to the community." Billups has hosted a charity golf tournament in Detroit in each of the last three summers, and also is involved in work in Minneapolis and his hometown of Denver.

Billups wins sportsmanship award (AP)
Chauncey Billups was presented with the NBA's Walter J. Kennedy sportsmanship award Monday night before Detroit's playoff game against the Orlando Magic. The award, which is voted on by the Professional Basketball Writers Association, is given to a player or coach who shows "outstanding service and dedication to the community." Billups has hosted a charity golf tournament in Detroit in each of the...

Disputed shot helps Pistons to 2-0 lead (AP)

The Detroit Pistons took advantage of what seemed to be a little help from the scorer's table and went on beat the Orlando Magic. Chauncey Billups scored 28 points, three on a disputed shot at the end of the third quarter, and Detroit got past Orlando for a 100-93 win Monday night and a 2-0 lead in the second-round series.

Magic-Pistons CP
The Magic made it interesting in the second half, but the Pistons pulled away for a 2-0 lead as the series heads to Orlando.

Magic, Pistons trade barbs before Game 2 (AP)
The Detroit-Orlando series is not as intriguing as the other three matchups in the NBA playoffs. The Pistons and Magic are trying to change that. A day after Detroit beat Orlando 91-72 in Game 1 of their second-round series, players on both teams took verbal swipes at each other. Magic forward Rashard Lewis took down Theo Ratliff with a physical foul midway through the fourth quarter, and Jason...

Lewis, Ratliff getting chippy after Game 1
The Detroit-Orlando series is not as intriguing as the other three matchups in the NBA playoffs. The Pistons and Magic are trying to change that. A day after Detroit beat Orlando 91-72 in Game 1 of their second-round series, players on both teams took verbal swipes at each other. Magic forward Rashard Lewis took down Theo Ratliff with a physical foul midway through the fourth quarter, and Jason Maxiell quickly got in Lewis' face with a menacing look and choice words.

Pistons rip Magic 91-72 in series opener (AP)
The Detroit-Orlando series is not as intriguing as the other three matchups in the NBA playoffs. The Pistons and Magic are trying to change that. A day after Detroit beat Orlando 91-72 in Game 1 of their second-round series, players on both teams took verbal swipes at each other. Magic forward Rashard Lewis took down Theo Ratliff with a physical foul midway through the fourth quarter, and Jason...

Pistons rip Magic 91-72 in series opener (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu's uncontested dunk early in the second half gave the Orlando Magic their first lead. Less than a minute later, the Detroit Pistons took over. Chauncey Billups had 19 points, seven assists and played a key role in the decisive run of the game, leading Detroit to a 91-72 win over Orlando on Saturday night in Game 1 of the second-round series.

Magic's Howard compared to Wilt, Shaq (AP)
The Detroit Pistons will host the Orlando Magic in Game 1 of an Eastern Conference semifinal less than 48 hours after tipping off in Philadelphia. The way they closed out the 76ers, the second-seeded Pistons are glad to get right back at it Saturday night against the Dwight Howard-led Magic. After a lackluster start, Detroit dominated the Sixers for the final 2 1/2 games of the series.

Pistons oust 76ers with easy Game 6 win (AP)

Close for four games, no contest the last two. Richard Hamilton hit his first five shots during Detroit's overpowering start, and the Pistons rolled into the second round of the playoffs by crushing the Philadelphia 76ers 100-77 on Thursday night to win the series 4-2. The Pistons convincingly won the last two games of a series that wasn't expected to last this long and will host the Orlando Magic,...

Turkoglu chosen NBA's most improved player
Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu has been selected the NBA's most improved player. The NBA announced Monday that Turkoglu received 380 points, including 61 first-place votes. Memphis Grizzlies guard Rudy Gay was second with 167 points and 23 first-place votes, while Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge was third with 128 points and nine first-place votes. Turkoglu, in his eighth NBA season, averaged a career-high 19.5 points per game, 5.

Magic F Turkoglu named most improved (AP)
Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu has been selected the NBA's most improved player. The NBA announced Monday that Turkoglu received 380 points, including 61 first-place votes. Memphis Grizzlies guard Rudy Gay was second with 167 points and 23 first-place votes, while Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge was third with 128 points and nine first-place votes.

Howard helps Magic eliminate Raptors (AP)

Dwight Howard had 21 points and 21 rebounds and the Orlando Magic advanced to second round of the playoffs for the first time in 12 years, beating the Toronto Raptors 102-92 on Monday night to close out their series in five games. It was Howard's third game with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in the series.

Report: Turkoglu is NBA's most improved player
Hedo Turkoglu didn't get the call for a mid-season honor when the Eastern Conference All-Star roster was announced. But the Orlando Magic forward did get the nod at the end of the year when he posted career highs in three separate offensive categories.

Magic look to finish Raptors in Game 5 (AP)
Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy has never seen his locker room clear out faster than it did after Game 3 against the Toronto Raptors. It was the Magic's lone loss in the playoffs so far, and at 14 points their worst defeat since February. He gave his players a rare day off from practice to think about it, and Orlando responded with a 106-94 gut-check win Saturday at Toronto to take a 3-1 lead.

Magic take 3-1 series lead on Raptors (AP)

Rashard Lewis had 27 points and 13 rebounds, Dwight Howard added 19 points and 16 boards, and the Orlando Magic beat the Toronto Raptors 106-94 on Saturday to take a 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. Jameer Nelson scored 12 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, while Hedo Turkoglu had 18 points and nine rebounds for the third-seeded Magic.

Raptors can't even series vs. Magic
Orlando was clutch down the stretch to take a 3-1 lead on Toronto, as the Raptors wasted a big night from Chris Bosh (39 points).

Raptors win, cut Magic's lead to 2-1 (AP)
T.J. Ford scored 21 points, Jose Calderon had 18 points and 13 assists, and the Toronto Raptors beat the Orlando Magic 108-94 on Thursday night in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. Dwight Howard had 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Magic, who lead the best-of-seven series 2-1. Hedo Turkoglu added 24 points and Rashard Lewis had 19.

Moon replaces Nesterovic for Raptors (AP)
Forward Jamario Moon replaced center Rasho Nesterovic in Toronto's starting lineup Thursday night as the Raptors tried to erase a 2-0 deficit in their first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic. Andrea Bargnani, Chris Bosh, T.J. Ford and Anthony Parker all kept their places in the starting lineup for Toronto.

Mitchell mum on Raptors lineup changes
With his team facing a 2-0 series deficit, Raptors coach Sam Mitchell knows something has to change. Exactly who that change involves, Mitchell isn't saying. The Raptors have lost by double-digit deficits in the first quarter of both playoff games so far against the Orlando Magic. Toronto came back and had a chance to win Game 2, but All-Star forward Chris Bosh's last-second jumper bounced off the front rim, sealing Orlando's 104-103 victory.

Raptors mum on lineup changes for Game 3 (AP)
With his team facing a 2-0 series deficit, Raptors coach Sam Mitchell knows something has to change. Exactly who that change involves, Mitchell isn't saying. The Raptors have lost by double-digit deficits in the first quarter of both playoff games so far against the Orlando Magic. Toronto came back and had a chance to win Game 2, but All-Star forward Chris Bosh's last-second jumper bounced off the...

Orlando holds off Toronto
Dwight Howard scored 29 points and pulled down 20 rebounds, his second consecutive 20-20 game, as the Magic edged the Raptors 104-103. Howard talked about the victory after the game.

Howard goes for 20-20 again as Magic win (AP)

Dwight Howard had 29 points and 20 rebounds, his second straight 20-20 game, and the Orlando Magic beat the Toronto Raptors 104-103 on Tuesday night for a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series. Chris Bosh had 29 points and 10 rebounds for Toronto, but missed a 19-footer with 1.9 seconds left that could have won the game.

Reeling Raptors try to regroup vs. Magic (AP)
The Toronto Raptors tinkered with their starting lineup and tried a few new plays early in their first-round playoff opener against the Orlando Magic. The result? After 12 minutes and a barrage of Magic 3-pointers, they were down 43-23, and all but out of it with three quarters left. But Raptors coach Sam Mitchell doesn't think their 114-100 loss Sunday had anything to do with the changes.

Magic blow lead, but hold on for Game 1 win
The Magic saw their once comfortable lead cut to five. But Orlando had the resolve to hold on and beat Toronto in Game 1.

Howard's 20-20 game helps Magic win (AP)

Dwight Howard had 25 points and 22 rebounds, and Jameer Nelson scored 24 points, and the Orlando Magic defeated the Toronto Raptors 114-100 Sunday in the opener of their first-round series. Howard scored six straight points in a 10-0 fourth-quarter run that sealed Orlando's first playoff win since 2003.

Magic hold on for win
The Magic saw their once comfortable lead cut to five. But Orlando had the resolve to hold on and beat Toronto in Game 1.

Friends Howard, Bosh to meet in playoffs (AP)
Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh consider themselves friends, having played together for USA Basketball and on two All-Star teams. Neither has advanced in the playoffs, giving both something to prove when the Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors open a best-of-seven playoff series on Sunday. The team that contains the other young All-Star will have a good chance of surviving.

Magic beat Wizards as teams rest stars (AP)

J.J. Redick scored a career-high 18 points and Marcin Gortat had a career-high 12 points and 11 rebounds, leading the Orlando Magic to a 103-83 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night in a meaningless regular-season finale for two playoff-bound teams. Andray Blatche led Washington with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Nick Young scored 14.

Evans scores 27 to lead Magic past Hawks 121-105 (AP)

The Orlando Magic did just what they wanted in one of their final tuneups for the playoffs. Give everyone plenty of playing time. Avoid any serious injuries. And, of course, win the game. Maurice Evans had a career-high 27 points and six of his Orlando teammates also scored in double figures, leading the Magic to a 121-105 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.

Magic get Mo-mentum
Orlando prepares for the playoffs with a 121-105 win over the Hawks. Magic guard Mo Evans scores a career-high 27 points and spoke to FSN after the game.

Magic's Howard just keeps getting better (AP)
Dwight Howard stayed after practice, as usual, to shoot free throws. Orlando Magic assistant coach Patrick Ewing kept feeding him the ball. A bystander posed a question. Who would win this one-on-one matchup? The Hall of Fame former Knick, in his prime, or Howard, the 22-year-old who today leads the league in rebounds and double-doubles?

Magic reach 50-win mark by beating Bulls (AP)

There are bigger goals, bigger prizes still out there for the Orlando Magic. That doesn't mean they were about to dismiss reaching the 50-win mark after a long, painful rebuilding process. Hedo Turkoglu called it "special," and Rashard Lewis said it was a sign of things to come. Turkoglu scored 24 points, and Orlando beat the Chicago Bulls 104-84 on Sunday night to reach 50 victories for the first...

Maxiell, Stuckey lead Pistons by Raptors (AP)

Jason Maxiell and Rodney Stuckey combined for 18 fourth-quarter points as the Detroit Pistons beat the Toronto Raptors 91-84 on Sunday. The loss drops Toronto (40-40) into a tie with Philadelphia for the Eastern Conference's sixth seed with two games left, although the Raptors have the tiebreaker. The sixth seed will play Orlando in the first round, while the seventh seed faces Detroit.

Wolves end 6-game skid, beat Magic (AP)

Ryan Gomes made a pair of free throws with 2.9 seconds remaining to give the Minnesota Timberwolves a 102-101 victory over the playoff-bound Orlando Magic on Friday night. Randy Foye had a game-high 25 points and Rashad McCants added 19 to lead the Timberwolves, who snapped a six-game losing streak. The playoff-bound Magic have lost six of their last 10 games.

Bulls F Gooden to miss rest of season (AP)
Chicago Bulls forward Drew Gooden will miss the remainder of the season because of a lower abdominal strain, interim coach Jim Boylan said. Gooden missed his seventh straight game when the Bulls hosted Cleveland on Friday and will not be available for the final three against Orlando, Milwaukee and Toronto.

Cavaliers' James cleared to play against Nets
A little rest was all LeBron James needed. James, who sat out of practice for two days to rest his ailing back, will play Wednesday night when the Cleveland Cavaliers host the New Jersey Nets. Following the morning shootaround, Cavs coach Mike Brown said James will play. The NBA's leading scorer has been bothered by back spasms for weeks. They became more severe during the second half of home losses to Chicago and Orlando. The Cavaliers are trying to wrap up the No.

Howard scores 30 as Magic pound Bulls (AP)

To the rest of the Eastern Conference playoff field, a note: It's going to take more than a knock to the head and a fat lip to slow down Dwight Howard. Playing with six stitches in his upper lip after a day after a practice collision with 6-foot-11 reserve Marcin Gortat, Howard had 30 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Magic past the Chicago Bulls 115-83 on Wednesday night.

Howard gets 6 stitches in mouth after collision
Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard needed six stitches after getting cut on the mouth in a collision at practice. Coach Stan Van Gundy says he doesn't expect Howard to miss any games, but the center did postpone a charitable event Tuesday. Orlando hosts the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. Howard hasn't missed a single game in nearly four seasons with Orlando. This season is the best so far for the 22-year-old.

Magic's Howard needs stitches after practice injury
Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard needed six stitches after getting cut on the mouth in a collision at practice.

Magic's Howard gets 6 stitches in mouth (AP)
Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard needed six stitches after getting cut on the mouth in a collision at practice. Coach Stan Van Gundy says he doesn't expect Howard to miss any games, but the center did postpone a charitable event Tuesday. Orlando hosts the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. Howard hasn't missed a single game in nearly four seasons with Orlando.

Knicks end 5-game skid, top Magic 100-90 (AP)

Rookie Wilson Chandler scored a season-high 23 points, Zach Randolph added 20 points and 11 rebounds, and the New York Knicks snapped a five-game losing streak with a 100-90 victory over the Orlando Magic on Sunday night. Fred Jones and David Lee added 13 points apiece for the Knicks, who won for just the third time in 20 games.

Magic lock up No. 3 seed, beat Cavaliers (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu scored 23 points, Rashard Lewis added 21 and the Orlando Magic locked up the Eastern Conference's No. 3 playoff seed with a 101-86 win Saturday over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Magic, who have sat behind Boston and Detroit in the standings for much of the season, won despite getting only 4 points on 1-of-8 shooting from All-Star center Dwight Howard -- 17 below his average.

Stojakovic helps Hornets top Magic 98-97 (AP)

Peja Stojakovic hit a 3-pointer and three free throws in the final minute to lift the New Orleans Hornets over the Orlando Magic, 98-97, on Tuesday night. Chris Paul had 19 points and 12 assists for the Hornets, Morris Peterson scored 19 points and David West had 18 points and 11 rebounds. Hedo Turkoglu had 26 points, seven assists and five rebounds for Orlando.

Peja's key 3-pointer lifts Hornets to win in Orlando
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Cook out 10-14 days with finger fracture
Orlando Magic forward Brian Cook could miss up to two weeks because he broke his right middle finger in practice. The Magic said Monday that Cook would rest 10 to 14 days, then be re-evaluated. The Magic's season ends with three games from April 13-16. They have eight games remaining. Cook joined Orlando in a November trade with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is averaging four points and two rebounds.

Magic's Cook out after breaking finger in practice
Orlando Magic forward Brian Cook could miss up to two weeks because he broke his right middle finger in practice.

Magic F Cook suffers broken finger (AP)
Orlando Magic forward Brian Cook could miss up to two weeks because he broke his right middle finger in practice. The Magic said Monday that Cook would rest 10 to 14 days, then be re-evaluated. The Magic's season ends with three games from April 13-16. They have eight games remaining. Cook joined Orlando in a November trade with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Magic's Howard faces paternity suit from Fla. woman
A paternity suit was filed Friday against Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard in Orange County Circuit Court, The Orlando Sentinel reported.

Magic notch club record 24th road win (AP)

Dwight Howard had 25 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Orlando Magic to their franchise-record 24th road victory with a 103-86 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. Rashard Lewis added 16 points and seven rebounds, and Carlos Arroyo had 13 points and nine assists for the Magic, who improved to 24-13 on the road.

Spurs win fourth straight, beat Magic (AP)

Manu Ginobili scored 28 points and Michael Finley added 24 as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Orlando Magic 107-97 on Tuesday night for their fourth straight win. Dwight Howard had 24 points and 21 rebounds, his eighth game this season with at least 20 in both categories. Rashard Lewis added 24, Keyon Dooling 19 and Carlos Arroyo 17.

Johnson's 34 lift Hawks over Magic 98-90 (AP)

Joe Johnson scored 34 points, Mike Bibby had 20 and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Orlando Magic 98-90 on Saturday night. Josh Smith finished with 19 points for the Hawks, who took their sixth straight home victory against Orlando. Atlanta moved 1 1/2 games ahead of New Jersey, which lost to Philadelphia 91-87, for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Riley to miss Heat game to scout NCAA
Pat Riley is back on the scouting trail. The Miami Heat coach was studying players in the NCAA tournament on Friday and wasn't expected to be with the team for its game with the Washington Wizards. Assistant coach Ron Rothstein filled in when Riley missed a game against Orlando last week while on another scouting trip. Rothstein was handling the game-day coaching responsibilities on Friday, and was expected to stay in that role Saturday when the Heat visit Charlotte.

Riley misses Heat game to scout NCAA players
Pat Riley is back on the scouting trail. The Miami Heat coach was studying players in the NCAA tournament on Friday and wasn't expected to be with the team for its game with the Washington Wizards. Assistant coach Ron Rothstein filled in when Riley missed a game against Orlando last week while on another scouting trip. Rothstein was handling the game-day coaching responsibilities on Friday, and was expected to stay in that role Saturday when the Heat visit Charlotte.

Magic hit 14 3s, end 76ers' streak at 4 (AP)

The Orlando Magic felt like they had something to prove after a one-point home loss earlier this week. They responded with one of their best outings of the season Friday night. Rashard Lewis scored 18 points and Orlando led by as many as 34 in a 113-95 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Eight Magic players scored in double figures, and Dwight Howard had 13 points and 12 rebounds in just 23 minutes.

Riley to miss Heat game to scout NCAA players
Pat Riley is back on the scouting trail. The Miami Heat coach was studying players in the NCAA tournament on Friday and wasn't expected to be with the team for its game with the Washington Wizards. Assistant coach Ron Rothstein filled in when Riley missed a game against Orlando last week while on another scouting trip. Rothstein was handling the game-day coaching responsibilities on Friday, and was expected to stay in that role Saturday when the Heat visit Charlotte.

Wizards shut down Howard, beat Magic (AP)

Antawn Jamison had 31 points and 11 rebounds and the Washington Wizards shut down Dwight Howard offensively in a 87-86 win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. Hedo Turkoglu had a career high with 39 points, but Howard had only three points and 14 rebounds. Orlando had a chance on an inbound pass with five seconds left, but Turkoglu's driving layup was short and officials didn't call a foul.

Wizards overcome Hedo's 39, win in Orlando


Howard, Lewis get Magic by Cavs 104-90 (AP)

Dwight Howard had 23 points and 13 rebounds, Rashard Lewis scored 21 and the Orlando Magic beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 104-90 on Monday night. LeBron James had 30 points, nine rebounds and six assists for Cleveland. Delonte West had 16 points and Sasha Pavlovic added 14. Orlando was 1-for-9 from the field to open the game, and didn't get much better through three quarters.

Marion misses 2nd straight Heat game
Heat forward Shawn Marion missed Miami's game Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks, the second straight contest he was sidelined for because of a back injury. Marion also sat out Miami's loss Friday to the Orlando Magic, and Heat coach Pat Riley said the problem was exacerbated Saturday night when Marion backed into an object in a garage. Another starting forward, Udonis Haslem, also was held out of the game with a sprained ankle - despite his pleas to get back into the lineup.

Heat's Marion sits out again (AP)
Heat forward Shawn Marion missed Miami's game Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks, the second straight contest he was sidelined for because of a back injury. Marion also sat out Miami's loss Friday to the Orlando Magic, and Heat coach Pat Riley said the problem was exacerbated Saturday night when Marion backed into an object in a garage.

Magic clinch playoff spot, beat Pacers (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu scored 27 points, including nine in the final five minutes to help the Orlando Magic pull away and clinch a playoff berth with a 122-111 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night. Rashard Lewis added 22 points for Orlando, which has won seven of eight. Dwight Howard, who was in foul trouble much of the fourth quarter, added 18 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out with 43...

Magic complete season sweep of Heat (AP)

Stan Van Gundy knows the perception exists that the Miami Heat are "tanking" the rest of the season, solely to ensure they have the best chance of winning the NBA lottery. Before the game, Van Gundy said he doesn't believe that to be true. And as if to prove the point, the Heat pushed his Orlando Magic to the limit Friday night.

Marion latest Miami players bitten by injury bug
Forward Shawn Marion was not in Miami's starting lineup for Friday night's game against the Orlando Magic because of a back injury, making him the latest Heat player to join the ranks of the injured.

Magic roll past Clippers 110-88 (AP)

The Orlando Magic have a list of late-season goals written on the blackboard in their locker room. They were able to erase the one at the top Wednesday night. Dwight Howard had 22 points and 13 rebounds to help the Magic beat the Los Angeles Clippers 110-86, securing their first winning season since the 2002-03 season.

Howard, Turkoglu lead Magic over Hawks (AP)

Dwight Howard had 26 points and 16 rebounds, Hedo Turkoglu had the second triple-double of his career, and the Orlando Magic rolled past the Atlanta Hawks, 123-112 on Monday night. Turkoglu had 23 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds as the Magic tied their season-high scoring output. Rashard Lewis added 22 points and reserve Keith Bogans had 19 as the Magic buried Atlanta under a flurry of...

Davis, Jackson lead Warriors by Magic (AP)

Baron Davis scored 33 points and Stephen Jackson had 20 as the Golden State Warriors overcame a slow start to beat the Orlando Magic 104-95 on Saturday night. Golden State shot only 35 percent in the first half, but Jackson and Davis sparked a 33-16 run in the third period that allowed the Warriors to seize control of the game.

Magic dominate Wizards in 30-point win (AP)

The Orlando Magic made an emphatic statement in a possible playoff preview, dominating from the start in Wednesday night's 122-92 victory over the Washington Wizards. The Magic never trailed, took a quick 10-2 lead and hardly looked back and they won their third straight game and sixth in their past seven.

Turkoglu, Howard lift Magic by Raptors (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu scored 24 points, Dwight Howard overcame a slow start to collect 19 points and 14 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Toronto Raptors 102-87 on Tuesday night. Howard had only three points on 1-for-3 shooting until the fourth quarter, sitting long stretches with foul trouble. He seemed energized after the rest, and scored six straight in a 1:10 stretch that expanded Orlando's lead...

Suns sign Giricek for rest of season
The Phoenix Suns signed guard Gordan Giricek on Tuesday to a contract for the rest of the season. Giricek, waived by the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, joins his fifth NBA team. The 6-foot-6 Croatian played parts of six seasons with Memphis, Orlando and Utah before being traded to Philadelphia last Dec. 29. Suns general manager Steve Kerr called the 30-year-old Giricek "an excellent shooter, a solid defender and a proven playoff performer." He shot a career-best 42.

Suns sign G Giricek for rest of season (AP)
The Phoenix Suns signed guard Gordan Giricek on Tuesday to a contract for the rest of the season. Giricek, waived by the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, joins his fifth NBA team. The 6-foot-6 Croatian played parts of six seasons with Memphis, Orlando and Utah before being traded to Philadelphia last Dec.

Knicks F Randolph out with foot injury (AP)
Forward Zach Randolph missed the Knicks' game against New Orleans on Monday night because of a bruised right foot. Randolph was hurt Friday in a loss in Atlanta and sat out the next night in a loss at Orlando. He had an MRI exam Monday that revealed the bruise. The Knicks listed Randolph as day-to-day.

Howard's 26 and 22 lead Magic by Knicks (AP)

Dwight Howard had 26 points and 22 rebounds to help the short-handed Orlando Magic beat the New York Knicks 118-92 on Saturday night. Howard thrived in the paint with the Knicks missing Zach Randolph, their second-leading scorer and top rebounder. Randolph took a few shots in pregame warmups, then went to the locker room because of a sore right foot.

Philly guards dominate Orlando counterparts


Miller's strong 1st half powers 76ers (AP)

Andre Miller scored 22 of his 26 points in the first half and Willie Green had a season-high 26 to lead the Sixers to a 101-89 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. Miller and Green, the Sixers' starting backcourt, outscored Orlando starting guards, Jameer Nelson and Maurice Evans, 52-2. Miller was 11-for-16 from the floor and added nine assists and six rebounds.

Turkoglu's 25 lift Magic over Nets (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu scored 17 his 25 points in the fourth quarter and the Orlando Magic won their third straight game, 102-92 over the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday night. Rashard Lewis added 25 points, and slam dunk champion Dwight Howard had his 50th double-double of the season (17 points, 10 rebounds) as Orlando ran its streak of 100-point games to nine.

Magic's reserves key win over Kings (AP)

Dwight Howard had 26 points and 10 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic got a huge fourth-quarter effort from their reserves in a 112-93 win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night. Brian Cook and Keyon Dooling combined for 20 points in a 22-8 run to start the final period, which Orlando entered ahead 74-68.

Turkoglu pushes Magic past 76ers 115-99 (AP)

Across the locker room from Dwight Howard, three Orlando Magic players were arguing about their own All-Star contest. "I won 3-point shooting tonight," joked Jameer Nelson, who was 5-of-5 from long range. "You made five?" said Hedo Turkoglu, who was 7-for-11 on 3s. Turkoglu had 31 points and seven assists, and Howard had 24 points and 18 rebounds to help the Orlando Magic beat the Philadelphia 76ers...

Bosh's 40 propel Raptors past Magic (AP)
Chris Bosh had 40 points -- going 14-for-16 from the field and 11-for-11 from the foul line -- and Jose Calderon had 19 points and 13 assists as the Toronto Raptors beat the Orlando Magic 127-110 on Wednesday night. Bosh made 11 of his first 12 shots and even made a rare 3-pointer in the third quarter, struggling to contain a smile as he retreated back down court.

Magic snap Pistons' 10-game win streak (AP)

Rashard Lewis scored 20 points, reserve Keith Bogans added 19 and the Orlando Magic ended the Detroit Pistons' 10-game winning streak with a 103-85 victory on Tuesday night. On the game's first possession, Rasheed Wallace blocked a dunk attempt by fellow All-Star and new dunk champion Dwight Howard, but that was one of Detroit's only highlights.

John Galinsky's NBA power rankings
Will Jameer Nelson improve after the break? The answer may determine how Orlando fares in John Galinsky's power rankings.

Howard's 20-20 game help Magic by Denver (AP)

Rashard Lewis could see the determination on Dwight Howard's face. A game after getting called out by his coach for focusing too much on offense, Howard had 24 rebounds and 23 points. Lewis added 25 points and the Orlando Magic beat the Denver Nuggets 109-98 Wednesday night. "(Howard) was real serious about coming out and trying to get this win before the All-Star break, and just trying to knock...

Hughes' 40 help Cavs beat Magic 118-111 (AP)

Larry Hughes scored a season-high 40 points and LeBron James added 29 and 10 assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Orlando Magic 118-111 on Monday night. Hughes scored 23 in the third quarter on 6-for-7 shooting, including two 3-pointers and an assortment of drives and jumpers. He hit 9 of 10 free throws in the period.

Mitchell leaves Raptors after father-in-law's death
Raptors coach Sam Mitchell is taking a leave of absence so that he can fly home to Atlanta following the death of his father-in-law. A team spokesman said Monday that Mitchell will not rejoin the Raptors until after the All-Star break. Toronto's first game after the break is at home against Orlando on Feb. 20. Assistant coach Mike Evans was to take charge of the team for Monday's game against San Antonio, because the Spurs are one of the teams he scouts.

Raptors' Mitchell takes leave of absence (AP)
Raptors coach Sam Mitchell is taking a leave of absence so that he can fly home to Atlanta following the death of his father-in-law. A team spokesman said Monday that Mitchell will not rejoin the Raptors until after the All-Star break. Toronto's first game after the break is at home against Orlando on Feb.

Bryant, Gasol get Lakers past Magic (AP)

Kobe Bryant had 36 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and Pau Gasol scored 30 points, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a wild 117-113 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night. Derek Fisher added 14 points and seven assists for the Lakers, who gave up a season-high 44 points in the first quarter, but had enough defense at the end to win for the fourth time in the last five games.

NBA Tip-Off: Power of Pau
Pau Gasol should be getting used to Kobe Bryant and the triangle offense. Marques Johnson likes the Lakers' chances in Orlando.

Howard's 21 lead Magic over fading Nets (AP)

Dwight Howard had 21 points and 13 rebounds as the Orlando Magic avenged a one-point loss to the New Jersey Nets last month with a 100-84 win Wednesday night. Vince Carter led the Nets with 18 points, while Jason Kidd had 13 points and seven assists. Six Magic players scored in double figures. Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis both scored 19, and Keyon Dooling, Brian Cook and Jameer Nelson each added...

Magic like Redick, but likely won't deal, play him
Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy is convinced one of the league's most popular players is buried on his bench. "I get asked more questions about J.J. Redick than I do about Hedo Turkoglu, Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis," Van Gundy said Tuesday, comparing the former Duke star to his top three scorers. "I'm not surprised by it. I know where it comes from." It comes from the fact that Redick, the No. 11 pick in the 2006 draft, has scarcely been off Van Gundy's bench.

Redick still in Magic's favor, likely won't be traded
Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy is convinced one of the league's most popular players is buried on his bench.

Magic like Redick, but he's on the bench (AP)
Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy is convinced one of the league's most popular players is buried on his bench. "I get asked more questions about J.J. Redick than I do about Hedo Turkoglu, Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis," Van Gundy said Tuesday, comparing the former Duke star to his top three scorers.

Mavs hold off Turkoglu, Magic 107-98 (AP)

Josh Howard scored 28 points and the Dallas Mavericks overcame Hedo Turkoglu's triple-double to hold off the Orlando Magic 107-98 Monday night. Dallas led by as many as 19, but Orlando got within 83-80 on Rashard Lewis' 3-pointer with 7:15 left. The Magic didn't score again for almost 5 minutes, and Dallas went on a 10-0 run to put the game away.

Mavs get road win in Orlando


Turkoglu leads Magic past Pacers 121-115 (AP)

Dwight Howard had 24 points and 12 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Indiana Pacers 121-115 Saturday night for their fourth straight victory. Hedo Turkoglu scored 20 of his 23 points in the second half, and Rashard Lewis added 19 points for Orlando (31-18). Danny Granger finished with 29 points, Mike Dunleavy scored 19 and Troy Murphy chipped in 17 for the slumping Pacers (19-29), who...

Magic beat Sixers on Turkoglu's late FTs (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu hit two free throws with 2.4 seconds remaining and finished with 23 points, and the Orlando Magic beat the Philadelphia 76ers 108-106 on Friday night for their third straight victory. Rashard Lewis added 18 points, Dwight Howard had 17 points and 14 rebounds and Carlos Arroyo contributed 14 points for the Magic, who earned their NBA-best 18th road win while recording their fourth...

Redick asks about trade; Magic GM says not likely
J.J. Redick, sequestered on the Orlando bench for much of the season, has asked his agent, Arn Tellem, to inquire about a trade possibility. But Magic general manager Otis Smith said that right now, there is not much chance of that happening.

Abdominal strain keeps Garnett out of lineup
Celtics big man Kevin Garnett missed his third game in a row on Thursday night, sitting out against the Dallas Mavericks because of an abdominal strain. Coach Doc Rivers said he had no timetable for Garnett's return. "We're just trying to get to a point where it's not a problem any more," Rivers said. Garnett, the Celtics' second-leading scorer (19.2) and leading rebounder (9.9), sat out Sunday's loss to Orlando and Tuesday's victory over Miami.

Under-the-weather Wade won't face Magic
Things keep getting worse for the reeling Miami Heat. All-Star guard Dwyane Wade is still suffering from flu-like symptoms and did not fly Wednesday with the Heat for their game against the Southeast Division-leading Orlando Magic. Starting forward Udonis Haslem (sprained left ankle) also didn't make the trip with Miami, which is already playing without injured centers Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning.

Flu-like symptoms to sideline D-Wade vs. Magic
Dwyane Wade is still suffering from flu-like symptoms and did not fly Wednesday with the Heat for their game against the Southeast Division-leading Orlando Magic.

Flu to sideline Wade against Magic (AP)
Things keep getting worse for the reeling Miami Heat. All-Star guard Dwyane Wade is still suffering from flu-like symptoms and did not fly Wednesday with the Heat for their game against the Southeast Division-leading Orlando Magic. Starting forward Udonis Haslem (sprained left ankle) also didn't make the trip with Miami, which is already playing without injured centers Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo...

Magic need rally to top undermanned Heat (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu had 27 points and 12 rebounds, Rashard Lewis scored 19 points and the Orlando Magic needed 12 consecutive points in the final quarter before pulling away and beating the undermanned Miami Heat 107-91 Wednesday night. Dwight Howard scored 16 points with 13 rebounds and Maurice Evans added 13 points for the Southeast Division-leading Magic (29-18), who have won the last eight meetings...

Magic G Nelson returns to lineup (AP)
Point guard Jameer Nelson returned to the Orlando Magic lineup Wednesday night after missing five games because of a strained right foot tendon. Nelson didn't start for the Magic against the Miami Heat. "He's done one day of basketball in the last two weeks. ... But he looks healthy," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said.

Garnett out 2nd game with abdominal strain
Boston center Kevin Garnett will miss the game against Miami because of a strained abdominal muscle, his second contest on the sideline. Garnett won't dress for the game Tuesday night against the Heat, coach Doc Rivers said after the morning shootaround. "He always wants to play, which is good," Rivers said. "But he understands it's the right thing for the team." Garnett, the Celtics' second-leading scorer (19.2) and leading rebounder (9.9), sat out the 96-93 loss in Orlando on Sunday.

Webber set to return to Golden State
Free-agent forward Chris Webber is set to rejoin the Golden State Warriors. Webber sent an e-mail to The Associated Press on Monday night confirming he will sign with the Warriors. The team said it has no announcements planned for Monday night. Webber was acquired by the Warriors in a draft-day trade with Orlando in 1993 after becoming just the second sophomore ever to be the top pick in the NBA draft.

Garnett misses game with abdominal strain
Kevin Garnett missed the Boston Celtics' game Sunday against the Orlando Magic with a strained abdominal muscle. Garnett is day to day after injuring himself Friday at Minnesota. A leading MVP candidate, Garnett is averaging 19.2 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists. He had played in all 41 games for Boston this season, and was just named a starter in his 11th All-Star game.

Celtics' Garnett sits out against Magic (AP)
Kevin Garnett missed the Boston Celtics' game Sunday against the Orlando Magic with a strained abdominal muscle. Garnett is day to day after injuring himself Friday at Minnesota. A leading MVP candidate, Garnett is averaging 19.2 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists. He had played in all 41 games for Boston this season, and was just named a starter in his 11th All-Star game.

Nellie wants Webber back on Warriors
Coach Don Nelson wants to bring free agent forward Chris Webber back to Golden State, nearly 14 years after a feud ended their first stint together. "I hope that it happens to be quite honest with you," Nelson said Sunday before the Warriors hosted the New York Knicks. "I think our team needs it." Webber was acquired by the Warriors in a draft day trade with Orlando in 1993 after becoming just the second sophomore ever to be the top pick in the NBA draft.

Nelson wants Webber on Warriors (AP)
Coach Don Nelson wants to bring free agent forward Chris Webber back to Golden State, nearly 14 years after a feud ended their first stint together. "I hope that it happens to be quite honest with you," Nelson said Sunday before the Warriors hosted the New York Knicks. "I think our team needs it." Webber was acquired by the Warriors in a draft day trade with Orlando in 1993 after becoming just the...

Magic's Turkoglu beats buzzer, Celtics (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu nailed an off-balance 3-pointer with time expiring to lift the Orlando Magic to a 96-93 victory over the Kevin Garnett-less Boston Celtics on Sunday. It was Orlando's second home win over Boston this season, and the Celtics' first game without Garnett, who has an abdominal strain. Dwight Howard had 18 points and 16 rebounds for Orlando, and Rashard Lewis scored 15.

Rip, 'Sheed help Pistons coast by Magic (AP)

Rasheed Wallace stole a pass on the opening possession against the Orlando Magic. In the first 2 1/2 minutes, the Detroit Pistons' forward scored seven points, blocked a shot and grabbed a rebound. When Wallace's pace slowed, Richard Hamilton picked up the slack. Hamilton scored 32 points and Wallace had 13 of his 15 in the first quarter, helping the Pistons build a big lead that allowed them to...

Pistons get revenge against Magic
The Pistons avenged a loss earlier this week at Orlando by posting a 101-93 win over the Magic. Orlando hasn't won in Detroit since '04.

Magic hit 18 3s in rout of Grizzlies (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu scored 26 points, and the Orlando Magic made a team-record 18 3-pointers in a 112-85 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. Turkoglu was 6-of-8 outside the arc for Orlando, which hit 55 percent of its 3s. The Magic's previous record for 3-pointers was 16 against the Atlanta Hawks on April 18, 1996.

NBA Tip-off: LeBron in La La Land
Orlando got a huge win vs. Detroit on Monday. The Pistons will be looking to get some revenge Friday, Marques Johnson says.

Lewis lifts Magic over Pistons at buzzer (AP)

Rashard Lewis hit a 12-foot jumper as time expired, lifting the Orlando Magic to a 102-100 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. Hedo Turkoglu had 26 points and eight assists and Dwight Howard added 23 points and eight rebounds for the Magic, who had lost nine straight to Detroit, including four games that knocked them out of last year's playoffs.

Lakers suffer another bad break with Ariza injury
With Andrew Bynum and Chris Mihm already out for the Lakers, L.A.'s front court took another hit. Forward Trevor Ariza, acquired from Orlando on Nov. 20, fractured a bone in his right foot during practice Sunday.

Howard, Green, Gay, Moon in dunk contest
Dwight Howard has another chance to impress the slam dunk contest voters - which this year includes fans watching at home. The Orlando Magic center was one of four players chosen Monday to compete in the dunk contest at All-Star weekend, which debuts a new format in the final round. Defending champion Gerald Green, Toronto's Jamario Moon and Rudy Gay of Memphis round out the field for the event, which will be held Feb. 16 during All-Star Saturday night in New Orleans.

Dwight Howard back in slam dunk contest (AP)
Dwight Howard has another chance to impress the slam dunk contest voters -- which this year includes fans watching at home. The Orlando Magic center was one of four players chosen Monday to compete in the dunk contest at All-Star weekend, which debuts a new format in the final round. Defending champion Gerald Green, Toronto's Jamario Moon and Rudy Gay of Memphis round out the field for the event,...

Magic build big lead, hold off Blazers (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu scored 20 points, Rashard Lewis added 16, and the Orlando Magic held off a late surge to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 101-94 Saturday night. Dwight Howard posted his league-leading 37th double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds for Orlando. Maurice Evans added a season-high 15 points and reserve Keith Bogans had 13.

Will Magic pull disappearing act again?
Is another fairy tale start about to go downhill in Orlando? Mike Kahn thinks the Magic can still avoid a repeat of last year.

Bobcats rally from 19 down, stun Magic (AP)

Gerald Wallace had 36 points and 14 rebounds, Jason Richardson hit a 3-pointer and four free throws in the final minute, and the Charlotte Bobcats rallied to stun the Orlando Magic 99-93 on Wednesday night. The Bobcats, who trailed by 19 points early in the third quarter, avoided a season sweep against the Magic with a remarkable comeback to continue a wild stretch of close finishes and big wins.

Bulls hand Heat 11th straight loss (AP)

Ben Gordon scored 24 points, Joe Smith added 23 and the Chicago Bulls handed Miami its 11th straight loss, beating the Heat 126-96 on Wednesday night. Luol Deng had 21 points and Andres Nocioni rebounded from an injury in Tuesday's loss at Orlando to score 20 points. Thabo Sefolosha scored a season-high 17 points for the Bulls, whose 126 points were a season high.

Bulls rookie Joakim Noah argues with Big Ben
Fiery Chicago Bulls rookie Joakim Noah had a testy exchange with teammate Ben Wallace during a loss at Orlando on Wednesday, but coach Jim Boylan downplayed their argument. "I know all about it. A couple of words passed back and forth between teammates. That's all it was," Boylan said before Wednesday's game against the Miami Heat. "There was no confrontation." Noah had a confrontation with assistant coach Ron Adams in practice Friday and sat out the next two games for disciplinary reasons.

Magic use big 3rd quarter to down Bulls (AP)

The Orlando Magic's often-criticized signing of free agent Rashard Lewis might finally be working out. Lewis, who averaged 22.4 points in Seattle last season before signing a $118 million deal with Orlando last summer, had 26 points to help the Magic to an easy 102-88 win over Chicago on Tuesday night.

LeBron ticketed for driving 101 mph on highway
NBA star LeBron James was ticketed by the Ohio State Highway Patrol for driving 101 mph on an interstate highway. James was cited in a 65 mph (105 kph) zone on Interstate 71 near Medina at 2:43 a.m. on Dec. 30 - his 23rd birthday. Cleveland attorney Colin Jennings filed a not guilty plea for James on Tuesday in Medina Municipal Court. A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11, the same day James' Cleveland Cavaliers are scheduled to play in Orlando against the Magic.

Magic suffer second straight road loss (AP)

Deron Williams had 17 points and 11 assists and the Utah Jazz sent Orlando to consecutive road losses for the first time this season, beating the Magic 119-115 on Saturday night. Carlos Boozer added 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Andrei Kirilenko returned after missing three games and finished with 16 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.

Carter's big 4th quarter lifts Nuggets (AP)

Anthony Carter explained his philosophy on scoring as he slipped on his canary yellow sweater vest. "Points don't mean nothin' to me," the Nuggets guard said. "But I just love getting assists." Carter did a little scoring and dishing as he helped Denver to a 113-103 win over the Orlando Magic on Friday night.

Kings beat Magic 104-100, end home skid (AP)

Facing a fifth straight home loss, the injury-plagued Sacramento Kings responded by beating the NBA's best road team. John Salmons scored 21 points and Brad Miller had 20 to help the Kings hold off the Orlando Magic, 104-100 on Tuesday night. The win snapped a rare four-game losing streak for the Kings at friendly Arco Arena.

Clips' Livingston may return this season (AP)
The Clippers received an encouraging report on guard Shaun Livingston, who hasn't played since severely injuring his left knee 10 1/2 months ago. "The medical team feels he's going to make a full recovery," team president Andy Roeser said at halftime of Wednesday night's game against the Orlando Magic.

Knight has stress reaction in left arm
Clippers point guard Brevin Knight underwent an MRI Monday that revealed a stress reaction in his left arm. He will be held out of practice, but will be available to play in upcoming games, the team said. The Clippers host Orlando on Wednesday and Dallas on Saturday. Knight's minutes will be limited and he will be re-evaluated on a daily basis. He has averaged 5.1 points, 4.6 assists and 23.4 minutes in 28 games.

Alston's layup, close call lift Rockets (AP)

Rafer Alston scored 20 points, including the game-winning layup with 4 seconds left, and the Houston Rockets narrowly escaped Orlando with a 96-94 victory over the Magic on Friday night. Orlando appeared to tie the game at 96 with Adonal Foyle's tip-in at the buzzer, but officials said he didn't get the shot off in time.

Nets come from 15 down to beat Magic (AP)

After leading the Nets to another win, point guard Jason Kidd did not want to talk about reaching his latest milestones. Kidd proved again why he is one of the NBA's most versatile guards, making a key defensive stop and nearly getting a triple double to lift the New Jersey Nets over the Orlando Magic in a 96-95 comeback Wednesday night.

Nets come from 15 down to beat Magic (AP)

Jason Kidd almost had a triple-double and made a key defensive stop and the New Jersey Nets overcame a 15-point deficit to defeat the Orlando Magic 96-95 Wednesday night. Vince Carter had 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists, and Kidd had 10 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Hedo Turkoglu had 23 points for Orlando on 7-for-17 shooting, Carlos Arroyo had 16 points and seven assists,...

Turkoglu's late hoop gets Magic by Bulls (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu made plenty of bad decisions on Monday, but it still didn't scare Stan Van Gundy enough to take the ball from his hands at the end of the game. Turkoglu hit a fadeaway jumper with seven-tenths of a second left in overtime, and the Orlando Magic beat the Chicago Bulls 112-110. After Chicago's Ben Gordon hit a tying 3 with 6.7 seconds left, Turkoglu made a shot over Ben Wallace.

Turkoglu, Howard lead Magic past Bobcats (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu scored a season-high 28 points, Dwight Howard added 15 points and 21 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Charlotte Bobcats 104-95 for their third straight victory. Carlos Arroyo replaced the injured Jameer Nelson at point guard for Orlando and had 16 points and six assists. Rashard Lewis scored 18 points and Keith Bogans 12 as all five Magic starters reached double figures.

O'Neal, Williams don't travel to D.C.
Injured starters Shaquille O'Neal and Jason Williams did not travel with the Miami Heat to their game against the Washington Wizards on Saturday night. After playing in each of Miami's first 29 games, O'Neal missed a second consecutive contest. He is sidelined by sore hips and a sore thigh. Williams, who like O'Neal sat out Friday's overtime loss to the Orlando Magic, has left knee tendinitis.

Heat C O'Neal, G Williams out Saturday (AP)
Injured starters Shaquille O'Neal and Jason Williams did not travel with the Miami Heat to their game against the Washington Wizards on Saturday night. After playing in each of Miami's first 29 games, O'Neal missed a second consecutive contest. He is sidelined by sore hips and a sore thigh. Williams, who like O'Neal sat out Friday's overtime loss to the Orlando Magic, has left knee tendinitis.

Heat to 'reassess' Parker's role with team
Smush Parker rejoined the Miami Heat on Friday, about a month after his confrontation with a female valet parking attendant. Parker had been placed on the inactive list, and it isn't clear if the point guard will play for the team again. He earns about $27,000 a game and has been paid during his absence. He was expected to miss his 17th straight game Friday night when Miami hosts Orlando. "It's time to reassess that whole thing," coach Pat Riley said. "But it isn't today.

Magic overcome Wade's 48, top Heat in OT (AP)

Stan Van Gundy had seen this all before from Dwyane Wade. Jumpers that swish with the game on the line. Forcing turnovers. Setting up teammates for big shots. Van Gundy enjoyed it when he coached Wade and the Miami Heat. He even enjoyed it again Friday night, albeit from the Orlando Magic's end of the court.

Shaq misses first start of season against Magic
Heat center Shaquille O'Neal was not in the listed starting lineup Friday night when Miami hosted the Orlando Magic, one day after getting treatment on his sore hips.

Shaq, J-Will listed day-to-day for Miami
Heat center Shaquille O'Neal and point guard Jason Williams were listed as day-to-day Thursday, after both had nagging injuries checked out by Miami team doctors. O'Neal got treatment on his achy hips. Tests performed on Williams' sore left knee did not reveal any major problems, and both may be available when the struggling Heat (8-21) host the Orlando Magic on Friday.

McGrady to sit out next 2 games to rehab knee
Tracy McGrady will miss Houston's next two games to rest his ailing left knee. McGrady missed the second half of the Rockets' 97-92 loss to Orlando on Dec. 19 with soreness in the knee. He sat out Houston's loss to Denver the next night. He played a total of 50 minutes in Houston's last two games, a win in Chicago on Dec. 22 and a loss to Detroit on Dec. 23. An MRI exam performed on Monday revealed swollen tendons in the knee, but no structural damage.

McGrady to miss Rockets' next 2 games (AP)
Tracy McGrady will miss Houston's next two games to rest his ailing left knee. McGrady missed the second half of the Rockets' 97-92 loss to Orlando on Dec. 19 with soreness in the knee. He sat out Houston's loss to Denver the next night. He played a total of 50 minutes in Houston's last two games, a win in Chicago on Dec.

Magic top Knicks, end 4-game home skid (AP)

The home court has been anything but an advantage for the Orlando Magic this season, so they welcomed a visit from the last-place New York Knicks. The Magic, who had lost four straight at home, beat the Knicks in every phase of the game in the second half Wednesday night to roll to a 110-96 victory behind 26 points from Hedo Turkoglu and 25 from Rashard Lewis.

Report: Marbury expected to return against Magic
Stephon Marbury is expected to rejoin the Knicks when they play in Orlando on Wednesday, according to New York Post.

Pierce, KG lead balanced attack vs. Orlando


Pierce leads Celtics over Magic 103-91 (AP)

Paul Pierce had 24 points to lead balanced scoring from the Celtics' starters, and Boston raced to a 103-91 victory over the Orlando Magic on Sunday night. Rajon Rondo added 23 points and Ray Allen 22 for the Celtics (22-3), who have the best record in the NBA and avenged an earlier loss to the Magic.

McGrady, Yao leave injured vs. Detroit
The Houston Rockets lost Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming to injuries during Sunday's game against the Detroit Pistons. McGrady left at halftime after aggravating his sore left knee, and Yao left after getting cut in the face. A team spokesman said McGrady would not return, but Yao's status was uncertain. McGrady left Houston's Dec. 19 loss to Orlando after injuring the knee, and missed a loss at Denver the next day.

Jazz end 7-game road skid, beat Magic (AP)

Stan Van Gundy looked furious, and sounded worse. His Orlando Magic have lost six of eight, and Friday night allowed their second career high in a week. Paul Millsap had a career-best 28 points and the Utah Jazz broke a seven-game road losing streak with a 113-94 victory. "We're absolutely frightened of contact -- frightened," Van Gundy said.

McGrady hurt in Rockets' loss to Magic (AP)

Orlando's star of the past got hurt and the Magic's star of the present carried them to a victory. Dwight Howard had 21 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks and the Magic took advantage of former Orlando star Tracy McGrady's absence in the second half to beat the Houston Rockets 97-92 on Wednesday night.

Rockets' McGrady leaves with knee injury (AP)
Houston Rockets star Tracy McGrady left Wednesday night's game against the Orlando Magic with a sore left knee. McGrady missed 10 of 11 shots and was limping noticeably in the first half. He didn't come out with his team for the second half. He bruised his left knee in Saturday's loss to Dallas and went 5-of-18 from the field in that game.

Nowitzki is money in 4th vs. Orlando


Nowitzki helps Mavericks hold off Magic (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 11 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter and the Dallas Mavericks shut down Dwight Howard the final three quarters, giving them just enough to hold off the Orlando Magic 111-108 Monday night. The Magic thought they'd tied the game at 109 when Keith Bogans nailed a long jumper over Nowitzki's outstretched arm with 3.5 seconds left, but officials correctly ruled that his right...

Mavs squeeze past Magic
Dirk Nowitzki scored 31 points and pulled down 11 boards in a 111-108 win over Orlando. Hear from Dirk after an impressive Dallas win.

Gay leads Grizzlies over Magic 123-119 (AP)

Rudy Gay scored a career-high 32 points and Juan Carlos Navarro added 25 to help the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Orlando Magic 123-119 Saturday night, snapping a six-game losing streak. Mike Miller scored 19 points for Memphis, which shot 53 percent from the field, most of it from perimeter. The Grizzlies hit 12 3-pointers, including two clutch ones from Navarro in the final 3 minutes.

Howard leads Magic past Bobcats (AP)

The Charlotte Bobcats finally addressed their biggest need Friday night by acquiring big man Nazr Mohammed. The timing of the trade, though, left the Bobcats as no match for one of the league's top centers. Dwight Howard had 33 points and 18 rebounds and the Orlando Magic beat the undermanned Bobcats 103-87 on Friday night to snap a three-game losing streak.

Redd helps Bucks end skid, beat Magic (AP)

Michael Redd had 27 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists to help the Milwaukee Bucks snap a four-game losing streak with a 100-86 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. Yi Jianlian scored 18 points, Mo Williams had 17 and Andrew Bogut had 11 before fouling out in the fourth quarter for the Bucks, who were coming off a five-game road trip that ended with four straight losses.

Smith, Johnson lead Hawks by Magic 98-87 (AP)

Josh Smith remembers losing. The Atlanta Hawks forward had more rebounds Monday night than his team had wins in his entire rookie season. Smith had 25 points and a season-high 16 rebounds as the Hawks evened their record at 10-10 with a 98-87 victory over the Orlando Magic. "This win is real big -- just for us to get to .500," said Smith, who added four blocks and five assists.

Granger, Tinsley rally Pacers past Magic (AP)

The Orlando Magic have been the best road team in the NBA this season, but the Indiana Pacers might be headed in that direction. Danny Granger poured in a season-high 27 points and the Pacers rallied from a 15-point second half deficit to beat Orlando 115-109 on Friday night. It was Indiana's fifth win in its last six road games, including four against Western Conference opponents.

Howard helps Magic edge Warriors in OT (AP)

It might have been easy for the Orlando Magic of old to melt down in a game like this, and go home satisfied with a 3-2 road trip. This team doesn't settle for any such thing. After Dwight Howard nearly cost the Magic the game in the final minute of regulation, he helped them win in overtime. Howard scored four of his 18 points in the extra session and the NBA's top road team pulled off a...

Orlando a magical 10-2 on road after beating L.A.
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.

Orlando matches franchise's best start at 15-4


Turkoglu rallies Magic by Lakers 104-97 (AP)
Hedo Turkoglu sparked a pivotal 9-0 run with a 3-pointer that put Orlando ahead to stay and added a layup with 55 seconds left to lead the Orlando Magic to a 104-97 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night. Rashard Lewis led the Magic with 18 points, and Dwight Howard had 17 points and eight rebounds.

Suns overcome Howard, Magic 110-106 (AP)

Raja Bell had a season-high 20 points to pace the Suns to a 110-106 victory on Friday night over the Orlando Magic, the NBA's winningest team. The Magic are 14-4, with two of their losses against the Suns, who also beat them 106-96 at Orlando Nov. 10. Orlando had been 9-1 since then. Amare Stoudemire had 19 points and 10 rebounds, Shawn Marion had 18 points and nine rebounds, Grant Hill scored 15...

Howard's career-high 39 power Magic (AP)

Dwight Howard dunked, blocked and dominated Seattle's undersized frontline for a career-high 39 points and 16 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the SuperSonics 110-94 on Wednesday night for their NBA-best 14th win. No matter the combination Seattle used to try and stymie Howard, it didn't work. The powerful center made 12 of 17 shots, including nine dunks, and found his way to the free-throw...

Sonics F Collison out with broken nose (AP)
SuperSonics forward Nick Collison will miss at least the next three games after breaking his nose against the Los Angeles Lakers. Collison was on the active roster Wednesday night against Orlando, but coach P.J. Carlesimo said Collison would not play. He will also miss Friday's game against Indiana and Sunday's game against Golden State.

Magic's Rashard Lewis returns to Seattle (AP)
Back in the Seattle SuperSonics practice facility, swishing jumpers as he did for nine seasons, Rashard Lewis made sure his Orlando teammates knew he was partly responsible for a Northwest Division championship banner hanging on the wall. It seemed appropriate, since Orlando spent about $120 million in the offseason to bring Lewis to Orlando with the expectation of adding a few championship...

Turkoglu, Lewis lift Magic by Blazers (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu scored 21 points and Rashard Lewis had 20 and the Orlando Magic beat the Portland Trail Blazers 85-74 on Monday night to become the first NBA team to win 13 games this season. Dwight Howard, the Magic's leading scorer, was just 4-of-10 from the field and had nine points and 14 rebounds.

Wallace (calf) cleared to play
Bobcats leading scorer Gerald Wallace has been cleared to play in Tuesday's game at Miami after sitting out Charlotte's loss to Boston with a strained right calf. Wallace, averaging 18.7 points per game, practiced without limitations Monday and traveled with the team to Miami. Wallace played 12 minutes in Friday's loss to Orlando after being injured in the first half.

Bobcats' Wallace expects to face Heat (AP)
Bobcats leading scorer Gerald Wallace has been cleared to play in Tuesday's game at Miami after sitting out Charlotte's loss to Boston with a strained right calf. Wallace, averaging 18.7 points per game, practiced without limitations Monday and traveled with the team to Miami. Wallace played 12 minutes in Friday's loss to Orlando after being injured in the first half.

Magic hand Heat 10th loss, 120-99 (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu scored 27 points, Rashard Lewis added 19 and Orlando beat the Miami Heat 120-99 Saturday night, handing Magic coach Stan Van Gundy's former team its Eastern Conference-leading 10th loss. Dwyane Wade had 32 points, Shaquille O'Neal added 20, and Ricky Davis had 23 points and seven assists, but Miami trailed for all but the opening minutes.

Orlando wins as Van Gundy beats former team


MRIs negative for injured Bobcats (AP)
Tests on injured Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace and center Ryan Hollins were negative, but the two did not play Saturday night against the Boston Celtics. Wallace and Hollins each had MRIs a day after sustaining injuries in a loss to the Orlando magic. Wallace, Charlotte's leading scorer, was limited to 12 minutes against the Magic after complaining of a strained right calf.

Howard leads Magic over Bobcats (AP)

The Orlando Magic are getting great production from Dwight Howard, though the fourth-year center could use a little help. Howard had 34 points, 17 rebounds and four blocked shots in what looked like a one-man show most of the night, and the Magic beat the Charlotte Bobcats 105-92 Friday. It was the second straight game of 30-plus points for Howard, who dominated the four Bobcats who took turns...

Van Gundy to face Riley, Miami (AP)
Stan Van Gundy knows the Miami Heat better than almost anyone. He worked there under Pat Riley for 12 years, improved the team by 34 wins in two seasons as head coach and barely missed an NBA championship appearance. He even stayed after Riley retook the reins and won it all. But now Van Gundy is coaching the Heat's Southeast Division rival Orlando Magic, and his former mentor is in the way.

Parker, Spurs hand Magic first road loss (AP)
Tony Parker scored a season-high 32 points, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Orlando Magic 128-110 Wednesday night for their third straight victory. The Spurs (10-2) improved their home record to 7-0, while the loss snapped a five-game winning streak for the Magic, who had won their first seven road games.

Bryant, Lakers win fourth straight (AP)