Despite the absence of star center Dwight Howard, who had a routine day off, the Orlando Magic dealt the Houston Rockets a 113-104 defeat. It was a dominant offensive performance by Orlando, with all five of its starters scoring in double-figures, led by Rashard Lewis' 22 points in 33 minutes. Vince Carter broke out of his 31% shooting slump by hitting 8-of-19 from the field for 19 points. J.J. Redick and Ryan Anderson combined for 26 points on 18 shots off the Magic's bench. However, it was Marcin Gortat who shone the brightest tonight. In relief of Howard, he scored 14 points, grabbed 14 revounds, and blocked 6 shots in 36 minutes of work.
Rookie Chase Budinger led the Rockets with 17 points. Jermaine Taylor, a graduate of the University of Central Florida, impressed with 14 points in 29 minutes off Houston's bench.