Hawks 83, Magic 78
HAWKS 83, MAGIC 78: Josh Smith scored 22 points and Atlanta held off visiting Orlando's late rally to halt a three-game losing skid.
Atlanta prevailed despite playing without All-Star guard Joe Johnson, who missed his second straight game with a sore left knee. The injury will force Johnson to miss this weekend's All-Star festivities.
Dwight Howard scored 12 points with 12 rebounds and five blocked shots to lead Orlando, which had won six of seven. Howard attempted only seven shots, making five, in 40 minutes.
The Hawks led 55-39 midway through the third quarter, but the Magic finished the period on a 16-3 run and got to within one point twice in the fourth quarter.
Willie Green scored seven of his 14 points in the late going to help Atlanta survive. Howard's basket with 4:32 remaining cut the lead to 69-68, but Green hit a 3-pointer and scored on a fast break to put the Hawks ahead 74-68. After Howard's three-point play, Green's runner on the baseline with 1:01 to go gave Atlanta a 76-71 lead.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Jameer Nelson didn't play for Orlando because of a strained left knee. ... Jason Richardson returned after missing three games because of discomfort in his chest and scored seven points. ... Atlanta had lost five of six going into the game. ... The Hawks won despite committing 18 turnovers.