Orlando (33-10) had the NBA's best record early last week, but has fallen to fourth-best overall - third in the Eastern Conference - following two straight defeats. It's the first time the Magic have lost consecutive games since opening the season 0-2.

A loss to Indiana (17-27) would give Orlando three consecutive defeats for the first time since Jan. 2-8, 2008.

The Magic, though, have won four in a row versus the Pacers, averaging 113.3 points, and Howard has dominated both meetings this season.

In a 110-96 win over the Pacers on Nov. 29, Howard had 32 points, 21 rebounds and four blocks. It was his first 20-rebound performance this season and the fourth time in his career that he had 30-plus points and 20-plus rebounds.

"Dwight is a load, he dominated the whole night," Pacers point guard T.J. Ford said after that game. "We tried everything."

Eight days earlier at Indianapolis, Howard blocked a potential game-winning shot at the end of regulation, then altered what would have been a game-tying shot in the closing seconds of overtime of a 100-98 Magic win. He had 24 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks.

Howard, who this season has received more NBA All-Star votes than any player in history, is averaging 25.6 points, 15.4 rebounds and 2.8 blocks while shooting 63.0 percent in his last five games versus the Pacers.

The league leader in rebounds and blocks, however, couldn't save the Magic in their latest loss, 103-97 to Miami on Saturday night. Howard had 22 points and 10 boards to pace Orlando, which rallied from a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter to tie the game but was unable to take the lead.

"I thought we had a good shot," Howard said. "We gave it our all."

The Magic now return to Amway Arena, where they lost 90-80 to Boston on Thursday night as Howard was held to 11 points. Orlando, 16-4 at home, is trying to avoid losing two straight there for the first time this season.

Indiana, meanwhile, has lost five in a row on the road, where they are 6-18. The Pacers are allowing 112.6 points per game during that skid, but are coming off two straight wins at home.

Indiana held off a late rally by Charlotte in a 98-93 victory Sunday night.

The Pacers improved to 9-14 in games decided by six points or less. They've led or trailed by double digits in many of those games.

"We have enough practice, certainly, with the number of close games we've played," Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said. "Our guys are relatively comfortable in close situations."

Against the Bobcats, Indiana led by 14 in the third quarter before seeing the lead dwindle to three down the stretch.

"We play so many of them and we lost so many, so we're learning how to win them," said Pacers swingman Danny Granger, who had 27 points.

Granger is averaging 29.2 points in his last 19 games.