His absence was at least a slight reprieve for the Sixers , who watched Lewis post up and make three-pointers in last season's first-round playoff loss to Orlando. Lewis blamed an over-the-counter supplement for the positive test late last season. The NBA announced the suspension in August.

"He's definitely a big part of the offense," said Sixers forward Thaddeus Young, who guarded Lewis in the playoffs. "That's one of the stress relievers in playing a good Basketball team. They have a lot of great scorers, key talent, but we definitely feel that no Rashard Lewis is a stress reliever for us. They'll still run the same stuff, but he does a lot for them."

The Magic, reigning Eastern Conference champions, raised their banner before tip-off.

Nelson's back Former St. Joseph's star point guard Jameer Nelson, appears to be back on track for the Magic after missing much of last season with a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

Before his injury, Nelson was selected to his first All-Star Game with averages of 16.7 points and 5.4 assists a game.

"He's looked very good, especially the last few games," said Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy . "I think he got the rust off a little bit. He's attacking the same way he did; he's shot the ball extremely well. I think he's the same guy he was at this time last year."

Defending the Sixers Van Gundy said his club was prepared to guard the Sixers new read-and-react offense, saying his returning players have "prepared for it so many times" that the game plan, for them, was rather simple.

"Our rules against it may be a little different than some other places," Van Gundy said. "What it is, really, is a lot to absorb."

Holiday sits Rookie point guard Jrue Holiday was the odd man out last night: Sixers coach Eddie Jordan placed Holiday on the inactive list.

Holiday appeared in seven of eight preseason contests for the Sixers , averaging 6.6 points in 16.9 minutes a game.

- Kate Fagan