Knicks Vs. Magic: Dwight Howard Struggles, New York Wins Easily

Knicks Vs. Magic Final Score: Knicks Down Magic, 96-80

An 8-2 run at the start of the second quarter propelled the New York Knicks to a 96-80 win over the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla. on Thursday night.

Forward Carmelo Anthony had a game-high 19 points to go along with eight rebounds, while guards J.R. Smith and Toney Douglas combined to shoot 13-of-24 from the floor, including four-of-six from beyond the arc, to finish with 15 points apiece.

Knicks center Tyson Chandler added 12 points and 12 rebounds in addition to helping keep Dwight Howard quiet on Thursday night. Howard, who made headlines for head coach Stan Van Gundy's admission that the franchise center wants him fired after the season, sat out the last two games with back spasms and was a game-time decision tonight. In a game-high 40 minutes, Howard was four-of-eight from the floor and finished with eight points, eight rebounds and had five turnovers.

With the win, the Knicks improve to 28-27 and for now are a game-and-a-half ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks for the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. The Magic dropped to 32-23 and are the sixth seed, though they have the same record as the No. 5 seed Atlanta Hawks.

For more on the two teams, head over to New York Knicks blog Posting and Toasting and Orlando Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post.

Knicks Vs. Magic: Two Injury-Ravaged Teams Fight For Playoff Position

The Knicks and Magic are both dealing with serious injury problems coming into their game on Thursday.