Timberwolves' Love scheduled for surgery

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Van Gundy the latest to draw league fine

The Orlando Magic and coach Stan Van Gundy have been fined $35,000 each for his criticism of referees earlier in the week.

The fines were announced Friday, a day after Van Gundy's comments about the replacement officials were published.

Van Gundy became the third coach in three days to be fined. The Charlotte Bobcats and coach Larry Brown were each fined $60,000 on Wednesday for Brown's verbal abuse of officials and refusal to leave the court in timely manner after he was ejected during a preseason game, and his subsequent postgame criticism.

Howard powers Magic past Houston

Dwight Howard had 20 rebounds and 13 points, and the Orlando Magic rolled to an easy 102-87 win over the visiting Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

Jameer Nelson added 15 points in his first start since Nov. 16, helping the Magic win for the fifth time in six games.

Carl Landry had 20 points and Aaron Brooks finished with 17 for the Rockets.

Recap: Minnesota vs. LA Clippers

Al Jefferson poured in 14 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and blocked three shots, as the Minnesota Timberwolves held off the Los Angeles Clippers, 111-97, at Target Center.

Corey Brewer added 20 points and five rebounds for the Timberwolves, who snapped a five-game skid. Jonny Flynn and Ryan Hollins each donated 19 points. Flynn also had eight assists. Kevin Love chipped in 13 points and 13 rebounds for Minnesota, which shot 52.4 percent from the field.

"It was good. We came out in the first quarter and set the tone," Minnesota forward Ryan Gomes said.

Golden State Warriors (9-22) at Portland Trail Blazers (21-13), 10 p.m.

The Portland Trail Blazers will wrap up a four-game homestand Saturday versus the Golden State Warriors at the Rose Garden.

Portland is 2-1 on the residency and is coming off Wednesday's 103-99 victory versus the Los Angeles Clippers. Brandon Roy scored 25 points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out six assists to lead the Blazers, who have won five of six overall and improved to 12-5 at the Rose Garden this season.

"We're getting a lot of experience and we're finding out about guys," Roy said "We're still finding out about Jerryd Bayless. He's playing great basketball. We're finding out a lot about our team right now."

Los Angeles Lakers (28-6) at Los Angles Clippers (18-16), 10:30 p.m.

The reigning NBA champion Los Angles Lakers have had a rather desirous early season schedule, playing 23 of their first 34 games as the host.

The Lakers finally hit the road Wednesday but they won't be going far. In fact, Phil Jackson's club won't be going anywhere, just playing the visitor to their building mates, the Los Angeles Clippers, at Staples Center.

The Lakers finished their latest homestand in perfect fashion last night, improving to an NBA-best 20-3 as the host by beating Houston, 88-79. Lamar Odom barely missed a triple-double, finishing with 17 points, 19 rebounds and nine assists in that one, as the Lakers beat the Rockets, 88-79, on a milestone night for Kobe Bryant.