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Magic hope to move into tie for last playoff spot

Mar 12, 2007 - 2:47 PM Orlando (29-35) at Charlotte (22-41) 7:00 pm EDT

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Ticker) -- The Orlando Magic need something to stop the bleeding and the Charlotte Bobcats might just be the perfect band aid.

Trailing New York (29-34) by one-half game for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, the Magic visit the Bobcats on Monday.

Orlando lost for the fifth time in six games on Sunday, falling to Houston, 103-92.

Despite the Magic's downward spiral, Dwight Howard continues to improve in his third year in the league. He has posted a double-double in 11 of his last 13 games.

The Bobcats have lost a season-high seven in a row, including a 115-107 setback to Memphis on Saturday.

Charlotte has played the last six games without defensive standout Emeka Okafor, who is sidelined with an injured calf.

Howard and Okafor were the top two picks in the 2004 draft.

Charlotte's Gerald Wallace has averaged 23.1 points and 9.4 rebounds since Okafor was injured on January 24.

Orlando has won two of three from Charlotte this season, including a 106-74 triumph here on January 5.