Knicks vs. Magic Pre-Game Injury/Weirdness Update

So, uh, I meant for this to just be a post about the latest injury news from the Knicks and Magic, but Orlando's got some other nonsense going on now. Check it out, via Howard Beck:

Stan Van Gundy just acknowledged that Dwight Howard has asked that he be fired.

Absolutely surreal: Dwight comes out and denies reports that he wants SVG fired, though SVG himself just said it on record moments earlier

He even gave him a hug and stuff. Damn. So, uh...no idea what'll come of that. It'd be pretty awkward for Van Gundy to coach Howard and the rest of the team this evening (though perhaps no more awkward than it was before), but so far, we've only got that little uncomfortable exchange.

Meanwhile, Howard's back has healed enough that he's ready to return to the lineup tonight while Jameer Nelson is game-time decision and Ryan Anderson is definitely out. Based on the lineup Orlando played in their loss to the Pistons on Tuesday, I'd expect Glen Davis to start in Anderson's place and somebody named Chris Duhon (not sure who that is. I think the last name is one syllable, though, like "DOON") to start if Nelson sit.

On our side, nobody will return, but Amar'e Stoudemire shot around this morning and did "EXTENSIVE core work", which just makes me picture a really stretchy apple. He didn't speak to reporters (again) at any length, but did watch Steve Popper, Frank Isola, and Ian O'Connor shoot and deem the spectacle "inspirational". I would really like to watch that. I want to be inspired.

Oh, and if you missed it, Baron Davis's strained hamstring begot a sore knee and a sore back, so he might be strugglin' out there this evening.

So, in summary, the Knicks will meet a team that's almost as injury-depleted as they are and mired in as much, if not more, drama than they were a few weeks ago. Excellent!