After 4 days off, Magic back in action against Bucks
The surging Magic (29-44, 21-14 home), winners of 9 of their last 13 games, 5 of their last 6, and 7 home games in a row, take on MIL (37-37, 14-23 road) tonight at TDW.
In the Magic's last 5 wins, they are averaging 105.2 ppg while shooting a torrid 54.1% from the field while holding opponents to just 93.2 ppg. JNelson has averaged 19.6 ppg in the 5 wins.
MIL is coming off a big loss to MIA Tuesday, losing 115-89. Star G Michael Redd (25 ppg, 40% 3 pt FG%) leads the Bucks. Bobby Simmons (13.5 ppg), Mo Williams (13.2 ppg), and TJ Ford (11.2 ppg) all average in double figures, while Jamaal Magliore averages 9.6 pts and 9.6 rebs. Number one draft pick Andrew Bogut is averaging 8.9 ppg and 7.1 rebs. One player that the Magic better not overlook is G Charlie Bell, who scored a career-high 29 pts against the Heat, and is averaging 16 ppg in his last 9 games, nearly double his season average of 8.3 ppg.
The Bucks set an all-time NBA record last week in a game against IND, committing only 2 TOs the whole game. They are currently in 6th place in the East and have not clinched a playoff berth, so this is a big game for them. Coach Hill better have his team ready after 4 days off, as they must be anxious to get back on the floor and continue their impressive play. Magic are 3 pt favorites (www.pinnaclesports.com).
In the Magic's last 5 wins, they are averaging 105.2 ppg while shooting a torrid 54.1% from the field while holding opponents to just 93.2 ppg. JNelson has averaged 19.6 ppg in the 5 wins.
MIL is coming off a big loss to MIA Tuesday, losing 115-89. Star G Michael Redd (25 ppg, 40% 3 pt FG%) leads the Bucks. Bobby Simmons (13.5 ppg), Mo Williams (13.2 ppg), and TJ Ford (11.2 ppg) all average in double figures, while Jamaal Magliore averages 9.6 pts and 9.6 rebs. Number one draft pick Andrew Bogut is averaging 8.9 ppg and 7.1 rebs. One player that the Magic better not overlook is G Charlie Bell, who scored a career-high 29 pts against the Heat, and is averaging 16 ppg in his last 9 games, nearly double his season average of 8.3 ppg.
The Bucks set an all-time NBA record last week in a game against IND, committing only 2 TOs the whole game. They are currently in 6th place in the East and have not clinched a playoff berth, so this is a big game for them. Coach Hill better have his team ready after 4 days off, as they must be anxious to get back on the floor and continue their impressive play. Magic are 3 pt favorites (www.pinnaclesports.com).
posted by Mike from Illinois @ 4:35 AM
9 Comments:
At 4:58 AM,
Mike from Illinois said…
You guys have been right on target lately with your pre-game analysis; so what will the keys be for the Magic to beat the Bucks tonight?
The obvious thing is to control Redd, and keep their big guys from dominating the boards.
At 10:42 AM,
Matt said…
MIL is the kind of team that Magic has had most problems with in the past ... big frontline and good shooters on the perimeter. If Darko has improved on his stamina, we should be able to match up better with their frontline since Bogut, although a smart palyer, is not very mobile. For the Magic the key to success would be to keep MIL busy on their defensive end so that their guards won't have as much opportunities to penetrate on our defensive end and create 3-point shots, something we have had problems all season long.
I expect Keyon and Deshawn to focus on containing Redd, and should they play loose on offense, considering that MIL is on a back-to-back, the Magic will blow them out.
At 10:48 AM,
Matt said…
Mike, could you please delete one of the double postings under "After 4 days...."?
At 10:49 AM,
Big Figure said…
The magic will get off too a slow start b/c of being off for four days,turnovers could be a problem early,but at some point in this game (probably end of 3rd or begining of 4th quarter)the magic will get it together,and use their depth and home energy to outlast the bucks,they were beaten badly last night,so i expect a better effort from them,magic win.....but it wont be pretty!
10:43 AM
At 11:09 AM,
Big Figure said…
What are "the keys"?,this game is about "us" more than anything,if we get the usuall attacking style of jameer/carlos with their ability to make our big-men better with passes for easy lay-ups and dunks,and good solid play from battie shooting the ball,we should be OK,we know what we'll get from hedo,deshawn & dwight,about 16pts from hedo,12pts from deshawn,and a double double 10pts 10reb. from the "daily double",but when battie or jameer or both at the same time dont show up we usually play badly the rest of the game,so winning the Bogut vs. battie match-up is critical,just like the jameer vs. ford match-up,our bench is also gonna have to keep being solid and taking care of the ball,if we play our game,like matt said,they should be beaten soundly,its all about us,how much do the guys want it?,do you take pride in being better than the guy you line-up against?,well we'll see tonight,b/c match-ups are about even all across the board,the difference will be who wants it more?
At 2:07 PM,
Mike from Illinois said…
Matt, you're correct when you say that the Magic have had problems with MIL in the past... the Magic have won just 6 of their last 26 games against the Bucks, and have also lost 4 of their last 5 against them.
At 2:33 PM,
Matt said…
I am optimistic!!! (you see I could be optimistic) that they won't have that much of a problem this time. Thanks for validating with the stat.
At 3:54 PM,
Ken said…
It may take the first quarter or so to shake off a little rust for this game. Even though I'm sure BSH had them practicing, thats nothing like playing in a actual game. But these guys are young and eager and if they can limit their turnovers and control Redd somewhat, no reason at all this shouldn't be a win....
At 6:07 PM,
WeRDevos said…
I'm just happy they are playing again. 60 comments on the Vescey thread!
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