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