Wizards at Magic
THE STORY: Dwight Howard continues to insist his trade request isn’t a distraction to the Orlando Magic. The results say otherwise. The Magic have lost four straight games and five of six entering Wednesday’s home game against the Washington Wizards. Orlando was 11-4 before the recent rough stretch and Howard lit into his teammates after one loss, questioning their desire. After Monday’s 74-69 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, he defended his remarks. “I will continue to lead this team,” Howard said. “My job is to challenge my team and challenge myself to get better,” Howard said. “We’re going through a tough stretch but we will get through it and move forward and still be a good team. I’ve never through something like this, but we have to keep moving forward to get through it.” Howard had 28 points and 20 rebounds when Orlando routed Washington 103-85 on Jan. 4. The Wizards are just 1-8 away from home this season and have lost 47 of their last 51 road games. Washington is 2-2 since Randy Wittman replaced fired Flip Saunders as coach.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet (Washington), Sun Sports (Orlando)
ABOUT THE WIZARDS (4-17): Center JaVale McGee is playing well as he enters his second matchup of the season against Howard. McGee has averaged 19 points over the past two games and 10 rebounds over the last four games. He was outclassed in the first meeting against Howard, contributing just six points and four rebounds. McGee has scored in double figures 13 times this season and has seven double-doubles. He currently is averaging career highs in points (11.6), rebounds (9.2) and blocked shots (3.1).
ABOUT THE MAGIC (12-9): Guard Jason Richardson is day-to-day with knee soreness and missed Monday’s loss to the 76ers. Richardson has been a huge disappointment this season, averaging just 9.9 points and shooting 41.4 percent. He averaged 15.6 points last season while splitting the season with the Phoenix Suns and the Magic. Richardson injured his left knee against the Golden State Warriors on Jan. 12 and missed three games and has averaged just 7.8 points since returning.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Orlando has won seven straight and 15 of the past 18 meetings with Washington.
2. The Wizards will be without forward Andray Blatche (calf) for three to five weeks.
3. Howard is averaging 17.5 rebounds in 10 home games.