Orlando Magic vs. Houston Rockets, 7 p.m. ET
Orlando Magic
Coached by:
Johnny Davis
Projected Starting Lineup:
Key Reserves:
Houston Rockets
Coached by:
Jeff Van Gundy
Projected Starting Lineup:
Key Reserves:
Key Matchup:
Battle of the Star Guards-
Steve Francis vs. Tracy McGrady
Game Preview
Houston is two points away from being a perfect 4-0 this pre-season, and after a return from China and a Thursday romping of the Chicago Bulls, the Rockets and McGrady are showing no signs of jetlag and are ready to take aim at an improving Orlando team. Surprisingly, T-Mac has only led his new team in scoring one of those games, but look for that streak to end when he returns to his home town and the nets that allowed him to lead the league in scoring the past two seasons. Speaking of offensive prowess, the Rockets still have the daunting Ming in the middle, giving the new Magic front line its toughest opposition to date.
To the dismay of many, the T-Mac-returns-to-Orlando-with-something-to-prove won’t be the only storyline affixed to the match-up between the now-rival squads. Francis, Mobley and Cato will probably want to show their former team a thing or two of their own and will most certainly have the stage to do so. While McGrady will thrive in his new offense, Francis and Mobley are fitting in comfortably too, and this game will probably come down to who wants to prove they belong with their new team more. And with that, Magic fans will likely see what appears to be more like a late-season game rather than a pre-season meeting.
Last Meeting: The Magic fell 99-87 to the Rockets on January 25, 2004 in Orlando. Yao Ming exploded for 37 points and 10 rebounds to lead Houston, which collectively shot an impressive 49 percent from the field in the game. Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and Kelvin Cato, who were traded to the Magic in the off-season, combined for 27 points and eight rebounds. Tracy McGrady led the home team in the losing effort with 31.
All-Time Series: The Magic lead the all-time series 18-14, including a 12-4 mark in Orlando.
Official Magic vs. Rockets Game Thread
....hill is also lookin good again