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Howard leads shorthanded Magic against Celtics

Dec 1, 2008 - 1:37 PM Orlando (13-4) at Boston (16-2) 7:30 pm. EST

BOSTON (Ticker) -- Dwight Howard is coming off a monster game, but he may face a bit more resistance on Monday when the Orlando Magic face the red-hot Boston Celtics.

A two-time All-Star, Howard registered season highs of 32 points and 21 rebounds in leading Orlando to a 110-96 win over Atlanta on Saturday.

Howard is averaging 25.8 points, 15.5 rebounds and 3.8 blocks in his last four contests, helping the undermanned Magic win four straight and nine of 10.

Orlando has been winning despite injuries to its backcourt thanks to Howard. Jameer Nelson is expected to miss another week with a hip flexor, while Mickael Pietrus is out three to five weeks with a torn ligament in his hand.

Howard had no problem dominating the undersized Hawks' frontcourt, but reigning Defensive Player of the Year Kevin Garnett is more than capable of slowing him. Garnett is the anchor of a defense that is allowing a league-low 90.1 points per game.

The Celtics' flexed their defensive muscle on Saturday, forcing 22 turnovers en route to their eighth straight win - an 89-84 triumph over Charlotte. Scoring is no problem for the Celtics, either. Paul Pierce led six players in double figures with 19 points.

The combination of good defense and balanced scoring has Boston on its longest winning streak since a 10-game run from February 24 - March 12 of last season.