Magic top man Howard sacked for one game

ORLANDO, Florida – Dwight Howard was suspended from the Orlando Magic’s NBA playoff game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday for his elbow on center Samuel Dalembert.

The NBA made the announcement on Wednesday.

The two got tangled up going for a rebound in the first quarter in Game 5 on Tuesday. Replays showed Howard threw an elbow that hit Dalembert above the shoulders. Howard drew a technical foul for the hit.

“I’m very disappointed but I have to respect the NBA’s decision,” Howard said in a statement. “I didn’t intend to hurt anyone. I have complete faith in my teammates that they will come out and get the job done tomorrow night.”

Orlando will also be without starting guard Courtney Lee, who suffered a fractured sinus after taking an inadvertent elbow to the head from Howard later in the quarter. Lee’s status for the remainder of the playoffs is uncertain. (AP)