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Howard, Magic top Rockets; Yao leaves with injury

Oct 27, 2006 - 1:40 AM ORLANDO, Florida (Ticker) -- Yao Ming took an early seat, and Dwight Howard took advantage.

Howard dominated the paint and scored 22 points and Carlos Arroyo added 16 as the Orlando Magic posted an 94-90 preseason victory over the Houston Rockets.

Howard collected 12.5 rebounds per game last season, placing second in the NBA behind Minnesota's Kevin Garnett. On Thursday, the star forward grabbed 15 boards and shot 6-of-12 from the field and 10-of-12 from the line.

The 7-5 Yao left in the second quarter with a sprained right ankle, opening the interior for Howard.

Arroyo was 6-of-10 from the floor and handed out two assists in 23 minutes. Hedo Turkoglu added 10 points for the Magic, who shot 45 percent (39-of-86).

Tracy McGrady scored 18 points and second-round pick Steve Novak netted 10 for the Rockets, who shot just 38 percent (28-of-73) and committed 20 turnovers.