Despite missing suspended star Dwight Howard, the Orlando Magic advanced to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, beating the Philadelphia 76ers 114-89 in Game 6 on Thursday night.

For the first time in 12 years, the Houston Rockets advanced in the NBA playoffs.

Already embroiled in controversy, Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo threw an elbow at Kirk Hinrich of the Chicago Bulls late in the first quarter Thursday night but was not ejected from the first-round playoff game.

Starting guard Courtney Lee is expected to have surgery on his fractured sinus and could miss the remainder of the playoffs for the Orlando Magic.

Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan has had right knee replacement surgery.

College basketball players will have to decide more quickly whether they plan to stay in the NBA draft.

In the fourth game, the Hawks win the game 4, 81 – 71 on First Round of the playoffs 2009. Copyright © 2009 NBA Media Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved….

Von Wafer will sit out Game 6 of the Houston Rockets’ first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night with back spasms caused by a bulging disk.