Magic/Lakers preview

The Magic (22-14, 8-8 road, 2nd East), on a 5 game winning streak, will face the LA Lakers (23-13, 16-4 home, 5th East), losers of 2 in a row. LA is coming off a 102-77 defeat at HOU WED night. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 20 pts, but suffered a mild groin strain, but should be ready to play tonight.

F Lamar Odom (17.5 ppg) and F/C Kwame Brown (8.7 ppg) are both injured and will not play. LA is led by Bryant, who averages 28 ppg, 5.4 asts; F Luke Walton 12.3 ppg on 50.5% FG shooting; G Smush Parker 11 ppg; C Andrew Bynum 7.9 ppg, 5,8 rebs; and F Brian Cook 6.9 ppg. LA averages 104.6 ppg while allowing 102.2 ppg; the Magic average 93.5 ppg and allow 91.3 ppg.

The Lakers have won 9 straight home games against the Magic and 14 of the last 16 meetings overall, including a 106-93 victory last month in ORL. The Magic are just 1/2 game behind CLE for the best record in the East. LA is a 4 pt favorite over the Magic (www.pinnaclesports.com).