JNice

Game Preview: Orlando @ Boston


Boston is one of only two teams the Magic have played more than once and not beaten this season (Houston is the other), as the Celtics have taken home wins in Orlando and Bean Town this year. Boston has had their way with the Magic, putting up 117 and 119 points against the Magic in their two previous match-ups, which says a lot about a team that averages just 100.7 per outing. Every win in the second half of the season is important to Boston, as they are continually flip-flopping with Philadelphia for the lead in the Atlantic Division and a top three playoff seed. Considering that which ever team is second in the division is battling just to stay in the top eight says even more about the determination of the squad. Both the Celtics and the Magic have taken care of business lately, posting winning records in their last 10 efforts, but the two squads have also each seen a loss come at the hands of the Hawks in the last couple weeks. While the Magic’s last defeat from the Celtics was understandable due to the circumstances, Orlando needs to take care of business this time around.

The Magic responded to a disappointing loss to the Atlanta Hawks with perhaps one of their best wins of the season against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers Tuesday night. Even the return of King James and his 28 points couldn’t deter the Magic, who got a whopping 30 points and 13 assists (which tied a season-high) from Steve Francis, after he tallied the Magic’s final 10 points of the game and outscored the entire Cavalier squad 10-5 in the final 4:04. Orlando also showed its ability to close out yet another close contest, improving to 10-2 when the game is decided by less than five points. This game way very well be a benchmark of sorts, as it has been a full 25 days since the Magic met the Celtics and traded Cuttino Mobley on that ill-fated game on January 10. It will be interesting to see the different dynamic of the team when they face Boston this time around, and if the defense they brought in with the trade will pay off.

Last Meeting: The Magic came out of the gates sluggish and stayed that way the entire night, falling 119-101 to the Boston Celtics on January 10 at the FleetCenter. Orlando announced they were trading Cuttino Mobley for Doug Christie just before tip-off, and the Magic responded by committing 22 turnovers, getting pounded on the glass 50-41, and falling behind by as much as 30 in the game. Orlando’s Steve Francis and Boston’s Paul Pierce led their respective squads with 18 points apiece.

All-Time Series: The Magic trail in the all-time series with the Celtics 27-36, including a 7-24 record in Boston. Orlando is 0-2 against Boston this season

__________________
MC Hammer once said "You can't touch this!" I am THIS.