Magic's Howard Nets 6 Stitches After Getting Elbowed In Mouth

April 8, 2008 5:42 p.m. EST

Orlando, FL (AHN) - All-Star center Dwight Howard on Tuesday received six stitches on his mouth after an accidental elbow hit him while in practice.

Howard got inadvertently elbowed by rookie Marcin Gortat when the two tried to rebound a loose ball. The center is not expected to miss any games, according to Magic coach Stan Van Gundy.

"I don't think a cut lip is going to keep him out," Van Gundy told the Orlando Sentinel.

Howard is averaging a career-best 20.8 points and 14.4 rebounds in 77 games with Orlando, which has already wrapped up the Southeast Division title and the no. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.