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Howard hopes to return as Magic host Spurs

Dec 18, 2008 - 11:20 AM San Antonio (15-9) at Orlando (19-6), 8:00 p.m. EST

ORLANDO, Florida (Ticker) -- After a successful road trip, the Orlando Magic are hoping a return to Amway Arena will be as friendly. Having their All-Star center in the lineup can't hurt.

Orlando opens a four-game homestand on Thursday when it hosts the San Antonio Spurs.

The Magic went 4-1 on their trip to the West Coast, winning the final two games with Dwight Howard sidelined due to a left knee injury.

Howard said on Wednesday that he is targeting a return against the Spurs after an MRI exam revealed no structural damage.

"It's been a little sore, but it hasn't hurt me for a couple of days," said Howard, the NBA's leader in All-Star voting. "Hopefully, I'll be back on the court on Thursday. It doesn't concern me.

In Howard's place, Marcin Gortat recorded career-bests with 16 points and 13 rebounds in Orlando's 109-98 triumph over Golden State on Monday. Jameer Nelson scored a career-high 32 points in the win.

The Spurs will be looking to rebound from a 90-83 setback to New Orleans on Wednesday, snapping a season-high six-game winning streak.

Tony Parker scored 20 points and Manu Ginobili had 17 and nine rebounds in the loss.

San Antonio swept the season series last season.