
Dwight Howard had better get well quickly.
Howard, slowed by a strained left stomach muscle, will lead the Magic Friday into Phoenix, where former Magic center and suddenly revitalized Shaquille O'Neal will be waiting. O'Neal, who scored 35 points in a victory Tuesday over Milwaukee, loves nothing better than beating his former team.
Howard struggled in Tuesday's victory over Portland, getting only 14 points and seven rebounds while playing in obvious discomfort.
"It was like he couldn't jump," said Magic coach Stan Van Gundy. "He wasn't the same. It was bothering him."
Howard, who still leads the league in rebounding and blocked shots, failed to block any shots Tuesday, letting forwards Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis carry the load.
The Magic (17-5) remains one of the league's best road teams. It is 8-2 away from home and was the only team in the league last season with a better record on the road than at home.
Orlando will finish this five-game trip with stops in Phoenix, Utah and Golden State.
MAGIC 109, TRAIL BLAZERS 108: Much like he did several times last season, Hedo Turkoglu hit another game-winning, last-second shot, propelling the Magic to another road victory. Turkoglu banked in a 3-pointer from atop the circle with .3 seconds remaining after his team had trailed through much of the final quarter. It was the first time this season that the Blazers lost a home game. Turkoglu finished with 24 points. Rashard Lewis, who hit a three-pointer on the Magic's previous possession, finished with 27 points and nine rebounds.