* ON THE AIR: TV -- TNT; Radio -- 580 AM (WDBO), Spanish-language 1030 AM (WONQ)

* Magic UPDATE: Orlando, riding a seven-game winning streak, begins the second half of the season against the defending champions. . . . The Magic have not played since last Saturday night's win against the Nuggets in Denver. . . . C Dwight Howard, who led all candidates in all-star voting after the fourth returns, is expected to be named a starter to the Eastern Conference all-star team tonight. . . . SG Mickael Pietrus (fractured wrist) said he expects to return in two weeks or sooner, although Coach Stan Van Gundy is thinking his recovery could be longer.

* Celtics UPDATE: Boston, which lost seven of nine games in one stretch, has gotten back on track to nearly reclaim the top spot in the NBA standings. . . . The Celtics lost two of three to the Magic in last year's regular-season series, but won the first meeting this season in Boston.

* KEY MATCHUP: Obviously, Howard has to be effective, but the most important duel might involve PGs Jameer Nelson and Rajon Rondo. Rondo's sterling averages against Orlando last season: 18.7 points, 4.7 assists, 4.7 rebounds.