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Howard, Magic look to improve on the road against Hawks

Jan 29, 2007 - 2:57 PM Orlando (23-21) at Atlanta (15-27) 7:00 pm EST

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic can start regaining ground in the Eastern Conference by getting back at a divisional foe.

The Magic look to exact a measure of revenge when they visit the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.

One of the top teams in the East over the first two months of the season, Orlando has dropped seven of its last eight games to fall to seventh place in the conference standings.

The Magic's most recent defeat came Friday in a 93-90 loss to the Hawks.

An Atlanta native, Howard scored 19 points but grabbed just four rebounds, his second-lowest total this season. Orlando's leading scorer (17.1) and rebounder (12.3), Howard has struggled against his hometown team this season, averaging just 13.7 points and 7.7 rebounds in three games against the Hawks.

Tony Battie and Jameer Nelson each scored 14 points Friday for the Magic, who have lost four straight road games against the Hawks and have not won in Atlanta since November 26, 2004.

Following Friday's win at Orlando, the Hawks returned home the next day only to drop a 104-89 decision to the lowly Philadelphia 76ers.

Josh Smith had 21 points and 10 rebounds while Joe Johnson added 16 points and nine assists for the Hawks, who have won five of their last nine contests since going 2-14 from December 8-January 10.

Atlanta has won two of its three meetings with Orlando this season.