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.
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.