Malik Allen stays

It seems certain that big man Malik Allen will remain with the team for the rest of the season.

Magic President of Basketball Operations Otis Smith initially said that Allen's one-year contract, thought to be worth $1.35 million, would become fully guaranteed if Allen was still on the roster on Wednesday.

In fact, Smith misspoke about the correct date. Allen's contract became guaranteed when he was still with the team last Friday.

Allen has logged some key minutes this month, including when Howard was out with a stomach virus and when the team played the Utah Jazz.

Allen, who is well-respected for his professionalism, also gives the team a valuable extra body in practice. His presence enables Howard or Marcin Gortat to get some occasional rest.