National Basketball Association

Magic's Howard out with back spasms

Published Apr. 13, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Magic center Dwight Howard will sit out Orlando's home game Friday night against Atlanta because of back spasms.

Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy made the announcement at the team's morning shoot around, adding that backup point guard Chris Duhon is also still questionable after missing the past two games with a suspension and sore foot, respectively.

Howard, who has missed three of the Magic's past five games, is in Los Angeles seeking a second opinion on his injured back.

Van Gundy says Howard was in pain following the team's practice Thursday and the coach isn't optimistic he'll be ready to play at Cleveland on Sunday or against Philadelphia on Monday.

The Magic entered Friday tied for fifth place in the Eastern Conference with Atlanta, though the Hawks hold the head-to-head tiebreaker.