Game Thread #34: Orlando @ Atlanta, January 7th

by Hoopinion on Jan 7, 2009 4:00 PM EST

Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks, Jan 7, 2009 7:00 PM EST

WHO: Orlando (27-8) at Atlanta (22-11)

WHEN: 7pm

WHERE: SportSouth HD, Hawks Radio Network, NBA Audio League Pass

Injury Report: As always, Speedy Claxton is out. Marvin Williams is listed as day-to-day but is expected to play. For Orlando, Mickael Pietrus is out.

Game Notes

For Entertainment Purposes Only: Atlanta -2, 190.5 o/u

Blogging With the Enemy: Third Quarter Collapse

Orlando beat Washington 89-80 last night. Ben Q. Rock has all you need to know about that tilt.

In the previously posted article regarding the importance the Magic are putting on tonight's game (and presumably Friday's re-match in Orlando), John Denton also notes the recent trouble that the Magic have had guarding opposing 2-guards:

The Magic have had loads of trouble stopping opposing shooting guards of late, and Tuesday night was no different. Caron Butler scored 21 of his 29 points in the third period to keep Washington (7-26) surprisingly within striking distance much of the second half.

Toronto's lightly regarded two-guard Anthony Parker had 26 points against the Magic on Sunday. Dwyane Wade scored 33 against Orlando on Friday and Kobe Bryant (41 points), Jamal Crawford (18 points) and Rashad McCants (21 points) have had big nights from the shooting guard position of late against the Magic.

All of this (well, obviously not Caron Butler's big game) led to Courtney Lee getting his first NBA start last night. They really should have just drafted Ronnie Brewer instead of JJ Redick.

Tweet Comment 7 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Gotta put everything on the under tonight.

Truly, the first team to 90 tonight wins. In a match-up against Orlando, you can count on this being one of those nights when Josh Smith plays with enthusiasm on defense, and Dwight will keep any frontcourt combination we use in the course of the game from scoring too much.

by Bronn on Jan 7, 2009 6:56 PM EST reply actions

Huh

Looks like Orlando caught Atlanta off guard by coming to play in the first half.

Who would have guessed that?

by Bronn on Jan 7, 2009 8:09 PM EST reply actions

At least I was completely wrong about the game.

by Bronn on Jan 7, 2009 9:49 PM EST reply actions

Well...

Everyone except JJ and Bibby shoots well. Does that mean Courtney Lee’s D so good that made Johnson shoot 5-17?

Joe shoots 17-49 in recent three games and he’s playing 40 minutes+ per game in this season.( LeBron:37/Melo:34/Wade:38 )

At least, I wonder what kind of player the Hawks’re going to draft this year. A solid inside backup player? A mature SG that could lessen JJ’s heavy duty? Or we just need a FREE ACIE??

by jjlooney on Jan 8, 2009 5:22 AM EST reply actions