Orlando Magic

The Magic might not be the best team in the NBA yet, but they have become the most balanced. It's been the secret to their success.

The Magic (11-3) have six players averaging in double-figure scoring, and they are tied for the best record in the league.

They return to action Wednesday night against the Miami Heat, who have cooled off after a faster than expected start.

The Magic are coming off a 104-96 victory Sunday afternoon in Toronto. It was the ninth time this season at least five players reached double-figure scoring in the same game. They have won all nine.

"Our depth has been key," said Magic guard Vince Carter, who missed four games early in the season with an ankle sprain but watched the Magic win without him. "Everyone here can play."

The balance has come at the expense of center Dwight Howard, whose scoring and rebounding numbers have dropped noticeably from a year ago, but it has made his life easier in the post.

Carter, Howard, Rashard Lewis, Jameer Nelson (currently injured), Jason Williams and J.J. Redick all are averaging at least 10 points. Michael Pietrus is right behind, averaging 9.9 points per game.

The balance has loosened the defenses around Howard, who has not been facing the double and triple teams he saw last season. Carter has taken much of the scoring load off his shoulders, allowing him to focus on other parts of his game.

MAGIC 104, RAPTORS 96: Despite being booed every time he touched the ball -- in response to his forcing a trade from the Raptors five seasons ago -- Vince Carter led the Magic to its fifth consecutive victory Sunday by scoring 24 points. Dwight Howard had 17 points and 14 rebounds. Carter hit nine of 24 shots, staying aggressive offensively even when his aim has been off the mark. The Magic had five players reached double-figure scoring.

• The Magic are in the midst of a stretch that includes nine of 11 games away from home. They are one team, though, that probably won't mind the road. They are 5-2 this season away from home. They have been one of the league's best road teams since coach Stan Van Gundy arrived before the 2007-08 season.

• Van Gundy has begun playing Vince Carter and J.J. Redick together, moving Carter to small forward when Redick plays shooting guard. It was never more pronounced than Sunday in Toronto when Matt Barnes, normally the backup small forward, hardly played behind Mickael Pietrus. The combination worked well Sunday with Carter scoring 24 points and Redick 19.

Quote To Note:

"I enjoy coming back here to play."

—Vince Carter after being booed in Toronto every time he touched the ball Sunday.

Rotation:

Starters—Point guard Jason Williams, Shooting guard Vince Carter, Small forward Mickael Pietrus, Power forward Rashard Lewis, center Dwight Howard. Bench—G J.J. Redick, G Anthony Johnson, F Ryan Anderson, C Marcin Gortat, F Matt Barnes.

Player Notes:

• F Brandon Bass, who signed a four-year, $18 million contract as a free agent this summer to join the Magic, has disappeared in the rotation since Rashard Lewis returned from his 10-game suspension. Bass hasn't played the last two games, and Ryan Anderson, acquired from New Jersey, has gotten all the backup minutes behind Lewis. Bass now might have a better chance getting playing time as a backup center.

• G J.J. Redick, who had disappeared since Vince Carter returned from his early season ankle sprain, had his best game in a few weeks Sunday in Toronto. Redick scored 19 points, hitting 6 of 10 shots, including 4 of 7 from 3-point range. It was his second-highest scoring game of the season. He had 27 earlier in another victory over Toronto when he had replaced Carter in the starting lineup.

• G Vince Carter said it was a change of shoes at halftime that might have helped him Sunday in Toronto. He hit only 2 of 11 shots in the first half with his blue shoes. He switched to the black ones at intermission, and he hit 7 of 13 shots.

Medical Watch:

• G Jameer Nelson (left knee) had surgery Nov. 18 and is expected to be out from four to six weeks.

• C Adonal Foyle (right knee) had surgery midway in October and he has begun running on the sideline. The Magic expected him to resume practicing with the team before Thanksgiving.