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The Sports Network
(Sports Network) - A possible trade destination for Dwight Howard is Los
Angeles with the revamped Clippers. For now, however, Howard is still property
of the Orlando Magic, who will open a three-game homestand tonight versus
the Clippers at Amway Center.
Howard, the subject of trade rumors during this compressed season, and the
Magic will also host the Southeast Division-rival Heat and Hawks on the
homestand and are slated to play six of the next seven games in central
Florida. Orlando is 8-4 as the host and is coming off of Saturday's 85-81 win
in Indiana behind Howard's 27 points, eight rebounds, three steals and two
blocks. Jason Richardson and Ryan Anderson had 17 and 12 points, respectively,
for the Magic, who are unbeaten (3-0) since losing four straight.
"Both teams played really, really hard. When you have these kinds of schedules
in the league you're going to have some games like that," Magic coach Stan Van
Gundy said. "It was our ninth game in 13 days and their ninth in 14. Basically
nobody could make a shot and there were 41 turnovers in the game."
The Magic played without Jameer Nelson for the fifth straight game. He is
listed day-to-day with concussion-like symptoms and hasn't played since a loss
at New Orleans on Jan. 27. Orlando forward Glen Davis is eligible to return
from a two-game suspension Monday because of conduct detrimental to the team.
Magic forward Quentin Richardson was ejected from Saturday's game following an
altercation in the third quarter. Richardson, who had eight points in less
than 14 minutes, came face-to-face with, and then shoved Pacers forward Danny
Granger in front of the Orlando bench during a stoppage in play.
Orlando made 9-of-25 three-pointers against the Pacers and is shooting .386
(226-586) from beyond the arc this season.
Los Angeles will continue its 11-day, six-game road trip tonight and opened
the trek with Saturday's 107-81 blasting of the Washington Wizards.
Blake Griffin recorded 21 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, while DeAndre
Jordan added 18 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks for the Clippers, who are
1 1/2 games ahead of the Lakers for the Pacific Division lead and won for the
fifth time in six games. Chris Paul had two points and seven assists, and has
been clicking with Griffin and the rest of the Clippers.
"It's getting better and better," Griffin said of his chemistry with Paul. "No
one ever comes in an just clicks like that right away. We knew it was going to
take time. We weathered the storm, so to speak. I think now we're starting to
pick it up a little bit."
Mo Williams had 17 points and eight assists, Caron Butler scored 14 and
Chauncey Billups added 12 points in a winning effort. Butler was facing his
former Wizards teams since he was traded to Dallas in 2010. Los Angeles will
also visit the Cavs, Sixers, Bobcats and Mavs on the trek and is 4-4 on the
road as opposed to a 10-3 home ledger.
The Clippers are 5-1 against the East this season and could unveil new
addition Kenyon Martin tonight. Martin was signed on Friday and played for the
Xinjiang Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association during the NBA lockout.
He was contractually obligated to wait until the end of the Tigers' season
before returning to the NBA. Martin was cleared to play by FIBA, basketball's
international governing body, on Thursday and averaged 8.6 points and 6.2
rebounds in 48 games last season with the Denver Nuggets.
"Kenyon is the ultimate competitor and a key acquisition," stated club vice
president of basketball operations Neil Olshey. "We expect that he will
provide additional experience, passion and professionalism, as well as some
important depth to our front court."
Los Angeles lost both meetings with Orlando a season ago and is winless in the
last nine matchups between the two teams. The Clippers have lost five straight
at Orlando. Howard is averaging 18.4 points and 13.1 rebounds in 14 career
games against the Clippers. Paul has faced the Magic eight times in his
career, posting 18.0 points and 8.5 assists in that time.
The Sports Network