Magic closeout homestand against Timberwolves

On Wednesday, Grant Hill had 26 points, five rebounds and four assists to lead Orlando to a 105-95 victory over the New York Knicks. Steve Francis added 17 points and six assists for the Magic, who had lost four straight prior to their run.

Tony Battie chipped in with 13 points and 10 boards while DeShawn Stevenson had 14 for Orlando.

Hill, who missed the first month and a half of the season following hernia surgery, has been the catalyst behind Orlando’s recent spurt, and is averaging 23 points in his last two games, while connecting on 19 of his last 30 shots.

Orlando, which will hit the road for three games following tonight’s tilt, is 7-9 in its arena this season.

Minnesota, meanwhile, comes in on a winning note after Wally Szczerbiak hit 12-of-18 shots and scored 30 points to lead the Timberwolves past the Seattle SuperSonics, 108-95, on Wednesday at the Target Center.

Kevin Garnett had 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists while Eddie Griffin added 22 points and 12 boards for the Timberwolves, who put an end to a two- game losing streak.

Minnesota, which will close a brief two-game road trip in Miami on Sunday, is 5-6 away from home this season.

Orlando split its two matchups with the Timberwolves last season and could hold the advantage tonight, as the home team in this series has won seven of the last 10 meetings. Minnesota has also lost 11 of its last 14 in Orlando.