Magic (40-23) vs. Warriors (38-23)
Amway Arena
7 PM
Sun Sports
Probable lineups:
Howard C Harrington
Lewis PF Wright
Turkoglu SF Jackson
Evans SG Ellis
Nelson PG Davis
Even though this makes it a back-to-back game for the Warriors, there is no such thing as taking them lightly. They put up 134 last night on Miami, with 6 players in double figures, while they shot 54% as a team.
In the December 3rd meeting between these two teams lead to a 123-117 overtime thriller, and the highest scoring Magic game this season. In that game, the "small-ball" lineup of the Warriors, wreaked havoc on Dwight Howard. He finished with 18 points, 23 rebounds, 7 blocks, but also 9 turnovers. Two and three players swarmed Superman, every chance he got the ball. He put up some impressive numbers, but also gave up many turnovers.
The Warriors are mainly a "up and down team", so giving them extra possessions just allows them to rush down the court and score more buckets. We were super lucky last game that we didn't collapse in overtime, so we have to control the ball to win this game. The Warriors forced the Magic into 19 turnovers leading to many fast break points. The Magic had a 14 point lead, at one point, but the lead was squandered, and the Warriors came back to force it into overtime.
If the Magic get a big lead like the last meeting, its important to clamp down. Controlling Baron Davis will, of course, be the big story of this game. Who will guard him? Mo Evans? Then that leaves Nelson on Ellis... Both are tough matchups, but we will need Keyon Dooling more than anything in this game. Dooling is possible for this game, but I haven't found any official word on his status for the Golden State game yet.
While your waiting for tonight's game to start head on over to 3QC for Ben's preview with an interesting Q & A session with a Warriors fan. Since were playing Golden State, be sure to check out this lengthy but good article on Adonal Foyle.
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