Howard Suspended: What does it mean?

So it is official that Dwight Howard has been suspended for Game Six for the elbow he threw at Samuel Dalembert early in Game Five. The elbow earned Howard a technical for the game and probably should have gotten him ejected.

Either way he went on to score 24 points and grab 24 rebounds and was a big part of the Magic's crucial Game Five victory. Plenty of Sixers are crying foul over numerous things.

But the bottom line is Game Six can end the series. And that is how Orlando should look at it whether they have Howard or not.

Losing Howard is a critical blow for the Magic in almost every way. He is the anchor of the defense and offense and has been completely unguardable by Philadelphia.

But this can be a good thing. This has to be a do-or-die game for both teams. Maybe eliminating Howard will give Orlando the sense of urgency it needs to increase the level of its play and pull out what might amount to an upset victory.

The Magic took two road games at Utah and Golden State this season with Howard out of the lineup. True they had Jameer Nelson for both of those games. But it can be done.

What will it take?

Rafer Alston has to attack the basket and try to drive defenders off the 3-point line. This has worked very well with Howard occupying Samuel Dalembert's time. That may not happen, so it might actually be important for Alston to get Marcin Gortat involved early on penetrations and kicks.

Gortat is not known for having the best hands in the world, so Tony Battie might be the better choice to start since he can spot up and shoot a little better.

Philadelphia has done a fantastic job staying glued to Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis on the 3-point line. Both of those players will need to attack too in order to get their looks. Howard's absence means they may not have the luxury of setting up in the post too often, something Stan Van Gundy has added successfully in the offense the last two games to get Lewis going.

Howard's absence will mean the Magic have to double their effort. Hopefully it will be enough to match the backs-to-the-wall effort Philadelphia will have in the elimination game.

The defense is what worries me the most. Orlando has spent the entire series allowing the 76ers to drive and funnel to Howard to clear away anything. The defensive intensity first and foremost must increase. I have faith the Magic can score enough to stay in this game, but only if the defense tightens up.

The defense has vastly improved since the first three games of the series. To win, Orlando is probably going to have to shoot much better than the 76ers and get to the free throw line.

The potential for a win is definitely still there. But it will take a much more focused and prepared team to snatch it.