Dwight Howard is your Eastern Player of the Week.

[Blake]

NEW YORK, April 12, 2010 – The Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard and the Dallas Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played April 5-11.

Howard averaged 21.3 points on .730 shooting (second in the East), 12.0 rebounds, and an Eastern Conference-leading 3.3 blocks, helping Orlando to a 3-0 week. On April 11, Howard recorded 22 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks, leading the Magic to a 98-92 win over Cleveland, handing the Cavaliers only their sixth home loss this season. This is Howard’s third Player of the Week nod this season.

Nowitzki led Dallas to a 3-0 record, including back-to-back wins on the road. Nowitzki averaged 33.7 points (second in the NBA) on .552 shooting, and 8.7 rebounds. In a win over Portland on April 9, Nowitzki scored 40 points and added 10 rebounds, helping Dallas become the first team in the West to beat every NBA franchise this season. This is Nowitzki’s fourth Player of the Week award this season.

Here is a recap of the week for Howard and Nowitzki:

Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
April 7 vs. Washington: Recorded 17 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, two assists and a steal in a 121-94 win over the Wizards.
April 9 vs. New York: Posted 25 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and a block in a 118-103 win over the Knicks.
April 11 @ Cleveland: Scored 22 points, and added 13 rebounds, six blocks and three assists in a 98-92 win over the Cavaliers.

Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
April 7 vs. Memphis: Posted 22 points, nine rebounds, one block and one steal in a 110-84 win over the Grizzlies.
April 9 @ Portland: Recorded 40 points, 10 rebounds and a steal in an 83-77 win over the Trail Blazers.
April 10 @ Sacramento: Scored 39 points, and added seven rebounds and two assists in a 126-108 win over the Kings.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta’s Jamal Crawford, Golden State’s Stephen Curry, Houston’s Aaron Brooks, Phoenix’s Amar’e Stoudemire and Utah’s Deron Williams.