• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Shaq takes on Howard when Suns face Magic

Mar 3, 2009 - 11:46 AM Phoenix (34-25) at Orlando (43-16) 7:00 p.m. EST

ORLANDO, Florida (Ticker) -- Shaquille O'Neal will take his recent string of dominant performances on the road Tuesday, when the Phoenix Suns face the Eastern Conference's best center, Dwight Howard, and the Orlando Magic.

O'Neal has turned back the clock with his last two performances, pouring in 45 points on 20-of-25 shooting against the Toronto Raptors on Friday and following it up with 33 in a 118-111 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

The All-Star center's 45-point performance was his biggest offensive display in five years.

O'Neal's strong play could not have come at a better time for the Suns, who have been without two-time MVP Steve Nash for the past three games due to a sprained right ankle. Nash is still day-to-day and could be on the floor against the Magic.

Matt Barnes added a season-high 26 points against the Lakers and is averaging 22.0 points while starting the past two games.

Orlando is coming off a 106-100 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. Hedo Turkoglu led the way with 23 points and seven assists while Howard was held to 12 points and eight rebounds.

Howard leads the NBA in rebounding (14.1) and blocked shots (2.9).