Orlando struggling with injuries

(Basketball News) - The Orlando Magic attempt to put the brakes on a four-game skid tonight when they welcome the Chicago Bulls to the TD Waterhouse Centre.

On Monday, Tim Duncan scored 26, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked five shots to lead the San Antonio Spurs over the Magic, 110-85.

Jameer Nelson tallied 20 points and DeShawn Stevenson registered 15 points and seven rebounds in the loss to San Antonio for the Magic, who have dropped six of their last 10 overall. Second-year forward Dwight Howard finished with 13 points and 15 boards in defeat.

Howard, who turns 20 on Thursday, has recorded two straight double-doubles and has collected 13 on the season. He is averaging 14.4 points and a team-high 13.1 rebounds per game.

A big reason behind the Magic’s struggles of late has been injuries, as Steve Francis (chest/shoulder), Grant Hill (hernia) and key free agent pickup Keyon Dooling (heel) have all missed considerable time.

Francis, though, could be ready to go tonight versus the Bulls.

The Magic, who will be playing the middle contest of a three-game homestand tonight, are 4-5 as the hosts this season. They are scheduled to wrap up the short stand on Saturday against Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets.

Orlando has lost four straight and seven of its last eight meetings with the Bulls. The Magic have also lost three straight after winning their last nine at home in this series.

ORL

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