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Jojo Doria
Orlando, FL
Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard will likely miss the remainder of the regular season and perhaps the upcoming playoffs after being diagnosed with a severe back injury Friday.
Spine surgeon Robert Watkins discovered a herniated disk in Howard's back, prompting fears the All-Star center will not be available or a 100 percent healthy for the playoffs.
Averaging 20.6 points and 14.5 boards per game this season, Howard's prolonged absence will not only impact the Magic's point production but also leave a gaping hole in the team's defense.
The Magic, holding the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a 34-25 record, will have to grind out the final two weeks of the regular-season without the All-Star center in the middle.
"Are you kidding me?" the Magic's Glen Davis told Orlando Sentinel Saturday. "It's going to be tough without him next couple weeks. A herniated disk? That's crazy. Dwight isn't playing, everybody has to step up. Everybody."
The Magic lost four of the five games they played without Howard this season, including 109-81 blowout loss to potential first-round opponent Atlanta Hawks.
Dwight Howard Questionable for Playoffs