NBA Orlando defeats Charlotte 97-91

NBA action now from the league's Eastern Conference. Last season's finalist Orlando Magic brought all-star Rashard Lewis back to its line-up after serving a 10 game suspension.

Charlotte welcomed Stephen Jackson and Acie Law into the fold after a trade with Golden State on Monday that saw Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovich go the other way. Jackson find his touch early on to sink a three pointer to make it 3-apiece.

Dwight Howard made sure that Orlando stayed in front in the second with this slam dunk to lead 42-40.

Still, even after shooting nearly 60 percent in the first half, the Bobcats were only ahead 52-50. And things could have been worse.

Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis, right, looks for an opening  as Charlotte Bobcats forward Stephen Jackson defends during the  second half of an NBA basketball game in Orlando, Fla., Monday,  Nov. 16, 2009. The Magic won 97-91.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Mickael Pietrus missed an alley-oop dunk off an inbounds pass with 2 tenths of a second remaining in the half that would have tied it.

Lewis looked rusty after serving the 10-game the NBA gave him for testing positive for elevated testosterone levels.

The All-Star forward finally sparked a rally that moved the Magic in front for good. Lewis hit a 14-foot jumper to give the Magic a 12-point cushion in the fourth quarter.