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Bosh, Raptors host Magic in Eastern Conference clash

Mar 21, 2007 - 2:40 PM Orlando (31-37) at Toronto (36-31) 7:00 pm EDT

TORONTO (Ticker) -- Chris Bosh and the Toronto Raptors are thinking of a division title. The Orlando Magic would like to just make the playoffs.

One of the biggest surprises in the NBA this season, Toronto owns a 5 1/2-game lead over second-place New Jersey (31-37) in the Atlantic Division. The Raptors also are one game behind Washington (36-29) for third place in the Eastern Conference.

But Toronto lost by 14 points to Houston and 18 points to New York in its last two games. Bosh scored 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the Raptors' 92-74 loss at New York on Sunday. Toronto shot just 34 percent (26-of-76) from the floor.

The Raptors have won both meetings with the Magic this season, including a 113-103 triumph here on February 7. Bosh erupted for a career-high 41 points in that contest.

Orlando has won two of its last three contests, but is just 4-11 since the All-Star break. The Magic enter Wednesday's contest in a virtual three-way tie with Indiana (30-36) and New Jersey for the final two playoff spots in the East.

The Magic hope to carry momentum from Sunday's 97-83 victory over Miami. Dwight Howard led Orlando with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Howard has totaled 49 points and 22 rebounds in the two games against Toronto this season.