Report: Howard Out For Magic's Playoff Run
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Heat have locked up the number two seed at least in the Eastern Conference. The team Miami might most like to see in the first round is the other Florida team, the Orlando Magic after reports revealed Dwight Howard will not play again this season.
The report, from CBS affiliate WKMG, said that Howard does not want to play for Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy any longer and will likely sit out the postseason. Howard has also been dealing with a herniated disk that has kept him out through the regular season.
The Magic have been collapsing in the standings until winning their last two games. They are currently in the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference.
If the Magic drop another spot in the standings, they will be the Heat's first-round opponent in the playoffs. But, Orlando is tied with Atlanta and just a half game behind the Boston Celtics in the playoff standings.
If the season ended Wednesday, Miami would be matched up against the New York Knicks in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Miami is 3-0 this season against the Knicks. New York might be without Jeremy Lin and Amar'e Stoudemire for their playoff run.
