Auburn Hills, MI – Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard missed his second straight game and Greg Monroe took full advantage, scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds to lift the Pistons to a 102-95 victory over the Magic at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Tuesday.
Ben Gordon scored 18 points, handed out seven assists and grabbed seven boards, while Jason Maxiell and Tayshaun Prince tallied 15 points apiece to give the Pistons their fourth win in their last five games.
The Magic were also without starters Jameer Nelson (calf) and Ryan Anderson (ankle) but got a huge performance from Glen Davis with 31 points and 10 rebounds. Hedo Turkoglu netted 16 points, but the Magic fell for the fourth straight game.
With the loss, Orlando dropped to fifth in the East, a 1/2 game behind the Pacers, who now reside in third after taking a 112-104 victory over the Knicks on Tuesday.
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