EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - While a sprained left ankle spoiled Vince Carter's return to New Jersey, it did nothing to slow down Dwight Howard and the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic.Carter scored 16 points before leaving the game against his former teammates in the second quarter, but Howard more than made up for his absence with 20 points, 22 rebounds and four blocks in a 95-85 victory Friday night."I heal like a young guy so I'll be good tomorrow," Carter said after sitting out the second half. "Hopefully, I'll be back Sunday. We're going to be smart about it. It's a long season. I'm feeling better now that I am walking on it."
Carter spent the second half in the trainers' room and had his ankle wrapped. X-rays were negative.
Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said Carter did not have a lot of swelling.
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