ORLANDO, Fla., April 1 (UPI) -- A 26-point, 14-rebound effort from Dwight Howard Friday lifted Orlando to an 89-77 win over Charlotte that damaged the Bobcats' playoff hopes.
Charlotte fell two games behind Indiana in the battle for the eighth and final post-season berth in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers increased their advantage by defeating Milwaukee 89-88.
Howard made 10-of-14 shots from the field in helping Orlando win for the sixth time in eight games. The Magic will likely finish as the fourth seed in the East and host Atlanta in the opening round of the playoffs.
Jameer Nelson added 15 points for the Magic and Quentin Richardson had 14.
Charlotte was led by a career-high 21 points from Dante Cunningham. The Bobcats had won their previous four games.
