Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The season series: Orlando won, 3-0

The stars: The Magic's Dwight Howard (20.6 ppg, 13.8 rpg) is simply the best center in basketball right now. Philly is led by a couple of Andres — ex-Ute point guard Miller (16.3 ppg, 6.5 apg) and swingman Iguodala (18.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg).

The telling stat: Both teams are trying to right the ship. The 76ers lost six straight games late in the season to cost them an improved playoff seed. The Magic, meanwhile, could have caught Boston for the No. 2 spot but lost three in a row before winning the season finale.

The scoop: Despite Orlando's late swoon, it has the better team and should roll in this series. There was concern midseason when All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson went down with a season-ending injury, but Orlando traded for Houston veteran Rafer Alston and hardly missed a beat. Jazz fans may remember how clutch Alston was in the playoffs a year ago for the Rockets.

Howard is consistent and will put up his usual big rebounding and blocked shot numbers. If the Magic can get good performances out of forwards Hedo Turkoglu (16.8 ppg) and Rashard Lewis (17.7 ppg), they will be tough to beat. Orlando won all three games between these two teams in the regular season — including two played in Philadelphia.

The 76ers, meanwhile, will need big men Thaddeus Young (15.3 ppg) and Samuel Dalembert (8.5 rpg) to play well to give them a chance to be competitive.

Still, this looks like it should be a good draw for the Magic. Things could have been much more interesting had Orlando played Detroit in the opening round since the Pistons blasted the Magic in the playoffs each of the past two years with a combined 8-1 mark.

The prediction: Magic in 5

Eastern Conf. first round

Sunday at Orlando, 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday at Orlando, 5 p.m.

Friday at Philadelphia, 6 p.m.

April 26 at Philadelphia, 4:30 p.m.

April 28 at Orlando, TBA*

April 30 at Philadelphia, TBA*

May 2 at Orlando, TBA*

*if necessary

E-mail: lojo@desnews.com