Wed Feb 6 10:58:38 2008

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Orlando hosts Carter, Nets

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(Sports Network) - The Southeast Division-leading Orlando Magic will continue a five-game homestand this evening versus the New Jersey Nets at Amway Arena.

Orlando had a four-game winning streak stopped with Monday's 107-98 setback to the Dallas Mavericks in the opener of the homestand. Dwight Howard tallied 28 points and seven rebounds for the Magic, who will also host the Lakers, Cavaliers and NUggets on the stand. Hedo Turkoglu had 13 points, 12 rebounds and a career-high 13 assists for his first career triple-double in defeat.

Maurice Evans scored 16 points, while Keyon Dooling had 14 and Rashard Lewis 13 in a losing cause. Orlando is 12-8 as the host in 2007-08.

The Nets will open a short two-game road trip tonight and are 10-13 away from the Meadowlands this season. They have lost two in a row and 12 of the last 15 games, including Tuesday's 105-90 setback to the Los Angeles Lakers at the Izod Center.

Vince Carter had 27 points for the Nets, who will also play Charlotte on the brief trek. Bostjan Nachbar netted 19 points and 10 boards off the bench, while Richard Jefferson finished with 12 points in defeat.

Wednesday's game is the third of four meetings this season between Orlando and New Jersey. The Nets are scheduled to host the Magic on February 26 at the Izod Center.

The season series is tied at a game apiece so far, while New Jersey has won six of nine and seven of the last 11 meetings.

New Jersey has won five of its last eight at Orlando.