National Basketball Association

Magic give Howard, 2 other starters night off

Published Oct. 14, 2010 8:07 p.m. ET

foxsports

Even Superman gets a day off.

Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy decided to rest All-Star center Dwight Howard and two other starters for Thursday night's preseason game against the Charlotte Bobcats. A team spokesman said Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis also were given the night off.

Howard has been one of the NBA's most durable players and the Magic want to keep it that way.

He has played in all 82 games in five of his first six seasons. And he missed only three games in the 2008-09 season. Backup center Marcin Gortat started in Howard's place.

Orlando also started backups J.J. Redick, Chris Duhon, Mickael Pietrus and Ryan Anderson.