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Magic look to rebound from dismal performance

Jan 24, 2009 - 11:32 AM Orlando (33-9) at Miami (22-19) 7:30 p.m. EST

MIAMI (Ticker) -- If their last game is any indication, the Orlando Magic don't like long layoffs. Luckily, they won't have much of a wait to get back on the court.

After enduring their worst performance of the season, the Magic look to bounce back on Saturday when they visit the Miami Heat.

Riding a seven-game win streak and with a chance to move atop the NBA standings, Orlando endured a 90-80 setback to the defending champion Boston Celtics on Thursday.

The game followed a five-day layoff and the Magic's rust was obvious. Orlando failed to get anything going from the opening tip, finishing with a season-low 80 points, including a campaign-worst, 36-point performance in the first half.

Dwight Howard, an MVP candidate, was completely shut down, scoring 11 points and grabbing 11 rebounds before fouling out with 2:30 remaining.

The Magic were limited to only 86 points the last time they faced the Heat, but managed to come away with a 10-point victory on January 2.

Like Orlando, Miami is also coming off a loss to the Celtics, dropping a 98-83 decision on Wednesday.

The loss came three days after the Heat returned home from a season-high, seven-game road trip. Miami finished the swing 4-3 after claiming a 104-94 victory over the lowly Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.