Rashard Lewis will make his season debut Monday night for the Magic, and they certainly could use him. Even against a team as weak as the Charlotte Bobcats, the Magic need him back.

After a 5-1 start to the season, the Magic are just 2-2 in the last four games, and the quality of play has dropped off significantly.

"I can't wait to get out there," Lewis said Friday after a morning workout. "This has been tougher than I thought it would be. It's OK when we win, but when we lose, I'm always thinking I should have been out there to help."

Lewis was serving a 10-game suspension for violating the NBA's substance-abuse policy. He was taking a supplement last spring that contained a banned substance.

Lewis, an All-Star last season, will be welcomed back for his ability to spread the court with his 3-point shooting ability. Ryan Anderson, who was starting in his spot, also will be back after missing four games because of a sprained ankle.

"He'll be like a kid in a candy store," Vince Carter said of Lewis. "He's so itching to play."

MAGIC 88, NETS 72: Dwight Howard broke out of his mini-slump, getting 26 points, 12 rebounds and five blocked shots to lead the Magic to an easy victory. The Magic were without a true power forward, but Matt Barnes filled the role and finished with a game-high 13 rebounds. The Magic were outstanding defensively, limiting the Nets to just 32.9 percent shooting. The Nets, without three of their starters because of injuries, remained winless this season.

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