"The Orlando Magic now hope to officially join the NBA season, already in progress.

They have played 10 games, but the Magic look to start their campaign in earnest with their next outing.

On Monday night, the Magic expect to have their whole active roster together for the first time since the preseason, providing Brandon Bass can keep his Cheerios down. And the news can't come fast enough.

Case in point: On Friday night, the Magic (7-3) struggled in an 88-72 victory against the winless New Jersey Nets, who were missing four starters.

Were it not for Dwight Howard finally playing like, well, Dwight Howard?. and Vince Carter showing up just in time? and Jason Williams scoring all the bench points. .. . things could have gotten ugly for last season's NBA Finalist.

Howard revived a dormant defense, resembled the reigning defensive player of the year to help discourage the plucky Nets (0-9).

Playing against New Jersey's only available regular starter, Brook Lopez, Howard scored a season high 26 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and added five blocks, much to the relief of an anxious Amway Arena crowd."