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Howard, Magic host road-weary Jazz

Dec 21, 2007 - 2:48 PM Utah (14-13) at Orlando (18-9) 7:00 pm EST

ORLANDO, Florida (Ticker) -- The Orlando Magic have had plenty of success on the road this season. They are looking for similar results at home.

Orlando hosts the Utah Jazz on Friday looking for a spark after a 14-3 start.

The Magic, 4-6 in their last 10 games, have gone 13-4 on the road this season but are just 5-5 here.

Orlando is coming off a 97-92 road win over Houston on Wednesday that ended a two-game losing streak.

Howard had 21 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks as the Magic capitalized on the absence of injured Rockets star Tracy McGrady in the second half.

Friday's game is the third of a four-game road trip for the Jazz, who have lost the first two games of their trek and are just 5-11 on the road this season.

Utah dropped a 98-92 decision at Charlotte on Wednesday.

Carlos Boozer had 21 points and 15 rebounds and Deron Williams scored 20 points for the Jazz, whose collapse came amid questions about reserve guard Gordan Giricek's future with the team.

With Utah already playing without Mehmet Okur (shoulder) and Matt Harpring (stomach), coach Jerry Sloan angrily sent Giricek to the locker room after an exchange on the bench in the second quarter.

Okur has missed five consecutive games, while Harpring had an inflammation in his stomach lining and is questionable for Friday's game.

Orlando has won the last three meetings with the Jazz.