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Magic's Howard out for Game 6

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The Associated Press

Published: April 30, 2009

ORLANDO - Dwight Howard's elbow has given the Orlando Magic's playoff hopes a major hit.

Howard was suspended for tonight's Game 6 of the Magic's playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers for his elbow on Sixers center Samuel Dalembert, the NBA announced Wednesday.

The two got tangled up going for a rebound in the first quarter in Game 5 on Tuesday night. Replays showed Howard threw an elbow that hit Dalembert above the shoulders. Howard drew a technical.

"I'm very disappointed but I have to respect the NBA's decision," Howard said in a statement. "I didn't intend to hurt anyone. I have complete faith in my teammates that they will come out and get the job done tonight."

Orlando also will be without starting guard Courtney Lee, who suffered a fractured sinus after taking an inadvertent elbow to the head from Howard later in the quarter. Lee's status for the remainder of the playoffs is uncertain.

The Magic lead the Sixers 3-2 entering Game 6. Orlando likely will start Marcin Gortat in place of Howard, and J.J. Redick for Lee.

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