Brian Cook could miss rest of regular season

From the Sentinel's Brian Schmitz in Monday's Online Sentinel:

Orlando Magic forward Brian Cook could miss the rest of the regular season after sustaining a fractured right knuckle on his shooting hand after being hit by center Dwight Howard during Monday's practice.

General Manager Otis Smith said he expected Cook to be ready for the playoffs.

The Magic have eight games left in the regular season and could open the postseason as early as April 20.

Smith said Cook could be out anywhere from a week to 14 days, and will wear a soft cast. He will then be evaluated again.

Cook, who has backed up Rashard Lewis, was acquired in November from the L.A. Lakers. He is averaging 4.5 points and 2.1 rebounds per game for a team already short on big men.

"I think you have to worry about him missing the regular season, but he should be ready for the playoffs." Smith said.

Smith said the Magic could see Tony Battie for the playoffs, providing he can play a game or two in the regular season. Battie, recovering from surgery in October on his left rotator cuff, has been working out on his own, but has yet to have contact.

"I want to see him play a regular-season game," Smith said. "He has to play."

Point guard Jameer Nelson, who sat out last Friday's game in Milwaukee after receiving a jaw bruise and concussion-like symptoms two days earlier, is expected to start Tuesday night when the Magic face the New Orleans Hornets.

Magic set road mark in easy win over Bucks

The Magic (47-27, 24-13 road) set the all-time franchise record for most road wins in a season with their 24th road win as they cruised to a 103-86 win over MIL (24-47), who was without starting C Andrew Bogut due to a broken nose suffered in their previous game. The Magic had a 17 pt halftime lead and extended it to a 24 pt lead after three qtrs.

The Magic had six players in double figures, led by DHoward with 25 pts (7 of 12 FGs), 11 rebs; RLewis 16 pts (6 of 15 FGs), 7 rebs; CArroyo, starting in place of JNelson, 13 pts (4 of 7 FGs), 9 asts; HTurkoglu 12 pts (4 of 13 FGs), 7 rebs but 5 TOs; and MEvans 10 pts (4 of 8 FGs); 6 rebs. BCook led the reserves with 12 pts (4 of 7 FGs). JRedick played well in his 4 minutes, with 6 pts on 3 of 3 FGs.

MIL had 5 players in double figures, led by Charlie Villanueva's 18 pts. Sharpshooting G Michael Redd scored just 7 pts on 3 of 16 FGs.

The statistical breakdown:

FGs... ORL 35 of 79 (44.3%) MIL 35 of 102 (34.3%) ORL 80 MIL 73
3 PT FGs... ORL 10 of 28 (35.7%) MIL 3 of 12 (25%)
FTs... ORL 23 of 30 (76.7%) MIL 13 of 18 (72.2%)
REBs... MIL 59 (25 offensive) ORL 44 (8 Offensive)
AST/TO... ORL 18/14 MIL 15/12
BENCH... MIL 39 ORL 27

The Magic have won 15 of their last 21 games. All but one of those wins have been in double figures. In those 15 wins, the Magic are averaging 110.7 ppg while allowing 94.3 ppg. The Magic have not won a game decided by less than 9 pts since a 6 pt win over PHI on FEB 2nd. Next game is TUE as the Magic host one of the toughest teams in the West, the NO Hornets.

Recapping the month of March, the Magic finished the month at 10-4. They were 7-3 at home, and 3-1 on the road. They were 4-3 against teams who are currently above .500, and 6-1 against teams who are currently below .500. They are 8 games ahead of WAS in the SE, with their Magic Number down to two for clinching the division.

Magic/Bucks preview

The Magic (46-27, 23-13 road) will be without JNelson, who is recovering from concussion-like symptoms sustained in a collision with DHoward TUE night against the Spurs. CArroyo will get the start in his place. HTurkoglu should be ready to go after leaving the Spurs' game early with a sprained wrist. MIL (24-46, 18-17 home) has lost 8 of their last 9 games and is coming off a 115-96 loss at ATL WED night.

The probable starting lineup for MIL:

G... Mo Williams (17.8 ppg, 6.4 asts)
G... Michael Redd (23.3 ppg)
F... Desmond Mason (9.3 ppg)
F... Charlie Villanueva (10.7 ppg, 5.8 rebs)
C... Andrew Bogut (13.9 ppg, 9.5 rebs)

Top reserves: Yi Jianlian (8.6 ppg); Charlie Bell (7.6 ppg); Bobby Simmons (6.8 ppg); Royal Ivey (5.5 ppg)

MIL is averaging 95.9 ppg while allowing 102.5 ppg; ORL averages 104.5 ppg and allows 99.9 ppg.

The Magic have lost 18 of their last 21 games in MIL, including 8 of the last 9. The Magic and Bucks are tied 1-1 in the season series, with each team winning at home. The Magic are 8 1/2 pt favorites (www.pinnaclesports.com).

Who might the Magic play in the first round of the playoffs?

Going into FRI's action, the Magic, at 46-27, are virtually assured of finishing third in the East, as they are 5 games behind DET for second and 5 1/2 games ahead of CLE for third. Finishing third, the Magic would play the number six seed, which is currently PHI (37-35). Two other teams are in a tight battle with PHI for the number six seed, WAS (37-34) and TOR (36-35). Only one game sepearates the seventh seed, TOR, and the five seed, WAS.

Let's take a look at those teams' remaining schedules:

WAS (37-34, 5th East): 5 home games, 2 against over .500 teams (BOS, PHI) and 3 against under .500 teams (MIL, MIA, IND). 6 away games, 4 against over .500 teams (at LAL, at UT, at DET, at ORL) and 2 against under .500 teams (at SAC, at CHI). Projected finish: 6-5 (43-39).

PHI (37-35, 6th East): 5 home games, 3 against over .500 teams (PHO, DET, CLE) and 2 against under .500 teams (ATL, IND). 5 away games, 2 against over .500 teams (at CLE, at WAS) and 3 against under .500 teams (at NJ, at ATL, at CHA). Projected finish: 6-4 (43-39).

TOR (36-35, 7th East): 6 home games, 1 against an over .500 team (NO), and 5 against under .500 teams (NY, CHA, MIL, NJ, MIA). 5 away games, 1 against an over .500 team (at DET) and 4 against under .500 teams (at CHA, at ATL, at NJ, at CHI). Projected finish: 8-3 (44-38).

The Raptors have the easiest schedule of the three teams, which makes them the most likely to finish fifth and avoid the Magic in the first round. WAS and PHI could finish in a tie for sixth in my scenario. They play each other once more. PHI holds a 2-1 season edge over WAS.

I think all three teams are capable of winning a couple of games against the Magic in a playoff series. The Wizards may have Gilbert Arenas back, the Raptors already have Chris Bosh back, and the 76ers are one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now, so each team is dangerous in their own way. but I believe the Magic would win a seven game series against any one of those teams.

Should be an interesting finish.

Update on Turkoglu's injury

From Brian Schmitz of the Sentinel:

Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu was diagnosed Wednesday with a sprained right wrist and is listed as day-to-day, much to the relief of the playoff-bound team.

Point Guard Jameer Nelson also is listed as day-to-day after leaving Tuesday night's game against San Antonio in the first quarter after being struck in the jaw by teammate Dwight Howard.

Turkoglu sustained his injury in a fall late in the first quarter against the Spurs, and left early in the second period.

Turkoglu underwent an MRI Wednesday that revealed no broken bones or torn tendons.

If neither Turkoglu or Nelson can play Friday, the Magic likely would start Keith Bogans in Turkoglu's spot and Carlos Arroyo in place of Nelson.

Without Nelson and Turkoglu in second half, Magic see Spurs pull away late in loss

The Magic, playing much of the game including the whole second half without starters HTurkoglu (wrist) and JNelson (collision with DHoward), were able to stay close to SA and pulled to within 87-85 halfway through the fourth qtr before the Spurs scored 20 of the game's final 32 pts to win 107-97. The Magic (46-27, 23-14 home) even had a 69-61 lead in the third qtr, but proceeded to go almost 6 1/2 minutes without scoring as the Spurs (48-23) scored 15 straight pts to go ahead permanently the rest of the way (a true third quarter collapse, as Ben Q Rock of thirdquartercollapse.com would say).

With Nelson and Turkoglu each scoring just 2 pts in their limited action, the Magic had four players in double figures, led by DHoward with 24 pts (10 of 18 FGs), 21 rebs; RLewis 24 pts (7 of 12 FGs); KDooling off the bench with 19 pts (7 of 12 FGs), 4 steals; CArroyo also off the bench 17 pts (7 of 14 FGs). It was a horrible night for the three Magic SGs, as KBogans (4 pts), MEvans (3 pts), and JRedick (2 pts) combined for 9 pts on 2 of 13 FGs (2 of 6 3 pt FGs) in a combined 67 mins.

SA had five players in double figures, led by Manu Ginobili off the bench with 28 pts. Michael Finley added 24 pts, Tim Duncan 19 pts, 15 rebs, and Tony Parker 11 pts, 9 asts.

The statistical breakdown:

FGs... SA 40 of 74 (54.1%) ORL 35 of 77 (45.4%) SA 87 ORL 77
3 PT FGs... ORL 7 of 16 (43.8%) SA 7 of 18 (38.9%)
FTs... SA 20 of 26 (76.9%) ORL 20 of 30 (66.7%)
REBs... ORL 41 SA 35
AST/TO... SA 20/10 ORL 15/11
BENCH... ORL 42 SA 40

The Magic have lost two in a row for the first time since FEB 11. It was a decent effort by the Magic, but without their go-to guy Turkoglu unavailable for the second half, they needed to play nearly a perfect game to have a chance at beating the defending world champs, and obviously they didn't. Magic get two more days off before closing the month at MIL FRI night.

Defending world champion Spurs visit Magic tonight

SA (47-23, 19-17 road) makes their only visit of the season to ORL (46-26, 23-13 home) TUE night. The Spurs are coming off a 88-81 victory at DAL on SUN with Manu Ginobili scoring 26 pts, and have won three games in a row after losing six of seven games. The Magic have had two days of rest since their late game collapse SAT night against ATL.

The probable starting lineup for SA:

G... Tony Parker (18.6 ppg, 5.8 asts)
G... Michael Finley (9.4 ppg)
F... Bruce Bowen (5.9 ppg)
F... Tim Duncan (19.6 ppg, 11.5 rebs)
C... Fabricio Oberto (4.7 ppg, 5.3 rebs)

Top reserves: Manu Ginobili (20.1 ppg); Brent Barry (resigned by SA Monday); Kurt Thomas (6.8 ppg, 7.8 rebs); Damon Stoudamire (5.6 ppg); Ime Udoka (5.6 ppg); Matt Bonner (5.3 ppg)

Robert Horry is questionable (knee).

SA is averaging 95.5 ppg, while allowing only 91.0 ppg; ORL averages 104.7 ppg and allows 99.8 ppg.

The Spurs beat the Magic 128-110 in SA earlier this season. Last season, the Magic had a dramatic home victory over SA when DHoward slammed home an inbound pass from HTurkoglu over Duncan with less than a second remaining for the winning basket.

Magic need to bounce back after sluggish efforts in two of their last three games, and what better way to make a statement than against the defending World Champs, who are fighting for home court advantage in the playoffs. Magic are favored by a point (www.pinnaclesports.com).

Johnson leads Hawks to win over Magic

Tied at 83 with just under 5 mins remaining in the game, this one looked like it was going down to the wire, but ATL (30-39) scored 15 of the game's final 22 pts to beat the Magic (46-26, 23-13 away) 98-90. The Magic had a 4 pt lead entering the fourth, but made just 3 of 12 3 pt FGs in that final qtr.

ATL's Joe Johnson had his usual outstanding game against the Magic, scoring 34 pts (24 pts in the second half), along with 7 asts, 5 rebs, and 2 steals. Three other Hawks scored in double figures, with Mike Bibby scoring 20 pts along with 8 asts, 6 rebs, 2 steals.

Five players scored in double figures for the Magic, led by HTurkoglu with 18 pts (7 of 15 FGs); JNelson 16 pts (7 of 12 FGs); MEvans 14 pts (6 of 10 FGs); RLewis 14 pts (6 of 18 FGs), 7 rebs; and DHoward 11 pts (3 of 5 FGs), 16 rebs. KDooling led the reserves with 9 pts (3 of 10 FGs).

The statistical breakdown:

FGs... ATL 36 of 76 (47.4%) ORL 35 of 85 (41.2%) ORL 80 ATL 79
3 PT FGs... ORL 10 of 29 (34.5%) ATL 7 of 17 (41.2%)
FTs... ATL 19 of 25 (76%) ORL 10 of 18 (55.6%)
REBs... ATL 44 ORL 36
AST/TO... ATL 26/18 ORL 21/12
BENCH... ORL 17 ATL 10

Magic lose their sixth game in a row in ATL, and this was their first loss to a sub-.500 team since FEB 27th at PHI. ATL is now 1 1/2 games ahead of NJ for the last playoff spot in the East, and the Magic are 5 games ahead of CLE for the third seed pending the outcome of the CLE/MIL game. Magic have two days off before hosting the World Champion Spurs TUE night.

Magic/Hawks preview

The Magic (46-25, 23-12 road), after FRI night's impressive win against PHI, take on ATL (29-39, 20-13 home) tonight in what looms as a very important game for the Hawks, as they are just 1/2 game ahead of NJ for the eighth and final playoff seed in the East. ATL is coming off a 125-117 loss at NJ WED night.

The Magic will be trying to win their franchise-record 24th away game of the season.

The probable starting lineup for ATL:

G... Mike Bibby (13.0 ppg, 5.8 asts)
G... Joe Johnson (21.4 ppg, 5.5 asts)
F... Marvin Williams (15.1 ppg, 5.7 rebs)
F... Josh Smith (17.3 ppg, 8.2 rebs)
C... Al Horford (9.8 ppg, 9.8 rebs)

Top reserves: Josh Childress (11.7 ppg); Salim Stoudamire (5.4 ppg); Zaza Pachulia (4.9 ppg); Acie Law (4.5 ppg)

ATL averages 96.8 ppg while allowing 99.1 ppg; ORL averages 104.9 ppg and allows 99.8 ppg.

ATL has beaten the Magic five games in a row in ATL, and Johnson has averaged 31 ppg in his last four games against the Magic. The two teams split two games in ORL earlier this season. The Magic are a slight 1 pt favorite (www.pinnaclesports.com).

Magic regain offensive touch in rout of 76ers

The Magic (46-25, 23-13 home) left no doubt that WED's awful offensive performance against the Wizards was just a fluke as they dominated PHI, who had won 16 of the last 20 games. The Magic broke out to a 22 pt first qtr lead and saw their lead swell to as many as 34 pts in the fourth qtr before the 76ers scored 29 of the game's final 42 pts in garbage time which made the final score 113-95 in favor of the Magic.

Eight Magic players scored in double figures, led by RLewis with 18 pts (8 of 15 FGs), 8 rebs; HTurkoglu 16 pts (4 of 8 FGs), 9 asts but 5 TOs; DHoward 13 pts (5 of 7 FGs), 12 rebs; JNelson 12 pts (4 of 6 FGs), 7 asts; MEvans 12 pts (4 of 11 FGs). The bench saw three Magic players in double figures, led by KDooling with 13 pts (6 of 8 FGs); KBogans 11 pts (3 of 5 3 pt FGs); and BCook 10 pts (3 of 7 FGs), 5 rebs. JRedick's stat line in 7 mins... 2 pts (1 of 2 FGs), 1 reb, 1 ast, 3 TOs.

PHI saw four players in double figures, led by Louis Williams off the bench with 18 pts. The starting guards, Andre Miller and Willie Green, combined to score just 11 pts after scoring a combined 52 pts the last time they played the Magic.

The statistical breakdown:

FGs... ORL 41 of 77 (53.2%) PHI 38 of 86 (44.2%) ORL 96 PHI 80
3 PT FGs... ORL 14 of 23 (60.9%) PHI 4 of 13 (30.8%)
FTs... ORL 17 of 18 (94.4%) PHI 15 of 25 (60%)
REBs... ORL 44 PHI 38
AST/TO... ORL 26/21 PHI 20/13
BENCH... PHI 56 ORL 42

The Magic have now won 14 of their last 18 games, and retain a 5 1/2 game lead over CLE for the third seed. WAS, with their win, now holds the fifth seed by 1/2 game over TOR. Magic fly overnight to ATL to take on the hawks SAT night.

76ers/Magic preview

PHI (34-34, 15-19 road) has won 8 of their last 9 games and 16 of their last 20 games (with impressive wins at PHO, at DET, and home wins over DAL, SA, the Magic, and DEN) and are now in solid playoff contention in the East as the 7th seed. They will be trying to go above .500 for the first time since they traded star Allen Iverson to DEN in DEC 2006. The 76ers are coming off an exciting 115-113 win over DEN on WED in Iverson's first appearance in Philly since the trade. Andre Miller scored 28 pts to lead PHI.

The Magic (45-25, 22-13 home) are coming off one of their worst offensive games of the season in a 87-86 loss to WAS, which was the first time all season they lost a game where they allowed the opponent 95 or fewer pts.

The probable starting lineup for PHI:

G... Andre Miller (17.2 ppg, 6.7 asts)
G... Willie Green (12.9 ppg)
F... Andre Iguodala (19.8 ppg, 5.5 rebs)
F... Reggie Evans (5.5 ppg, 8.0 rebs)
C... Samuel Dalembert (10.8 ppg, 10.1 rebs)

Key reserves: Louis Williams (11.0 ppg); Thaddeus Young (7.6 ppg); Rodney Carney (5.8 ppg); Jason Smith (4.7 ppg)

PHI is averaging 96.6 ppg while allowing 95.8 ppg; ORL is averaging 104.7 ppg and allows 99.9 ppg.

Despite the loss to the Wizards, the Magic have still won 8 of their last 10 games and 13 of 17. Magic are 2-1 against PHI this season, losing the last game they played at PHI last month. Magic are 6 pt favorites (www.pinnaclesports.com).

Turkoglu's career night can't save Magic from narrow loss to WAS

Celebrating his 29th birthday WED, HTurkoglu tried to do all he could to carry the Magic to a win, as he scored a career-high 39 pts (11 of 20 FGs, 7 of 9 3 pt FGs), but missed two crucial FTs in the final minute and also a last-second layup attempt that would have given the Magic (45-25, 22-13 home) the victory in a 87-86 loss to WAS (34-33), which came two weeks after a 30 pt Magic win at WAS. Turk got little help from his ice-cold shooting teammates, as the rest of the Magic combined to shoot a frigid 15 of 57 FGs (26.3%). In the fourth qtr, the Magic made only 5 of 21 FG attempts.

In addition to Turkoglu, only two other Magic players scored in double figures. KBogans scored 14 pts (5 of 10 FGs) off the bench and JNelson added 12 pts (4 of 9 FGs), 9 asts. DHoward (3 pts) and RLewis (7 pts) both had their worst offensive nights of the season as they combined to shoot 3 of 19 FGs for 10 pts.

WAS had four players in double figures, led by Antawn Jamison with 31 pts. Former Magic G Deshawn Stevenson added 14 pts.

The statistical breakdown:

FGs... WAS 35 of 82 (42.7%) ORL 26 of 77 (33.8%) WAS 76 ORL 66
3 PT FGs... ORL 14 of 35 (40%) WAS 6 of 18 (33.3%)
FTs... ORL 20 of 26 (76.9%) WAS 11 of 17 (64.7%)
REBs... ORL 45 WAS 45
AST/TO... ORL 19/13 WAS 17/11
BENCH... ORL 18 WAS 14

In a statistical oddity, the Magic made more 3 pt FGs (14) than 2 pt FGs (12). Magic shot just 28.6% on 2 pt FGs.

The Magic have their 5 game winning streak snapped, but still have won 13 of their last 17 games. Magic have THU off before hosting red-hot Philly FRI night.

Wizards/Magic preview

The Magic (45-24, 22-12 home), winners of 11 of their last 13 games and 5 games in a row, will look to extend their streak as they take on WAS (33-33, 13-18 road), who is coming off a 105-96 home loss to ATL MON night, with Antawn Jamison leading WAS with 25 pts.

The Wizards' Gilbert Arenas still has not been given the OK from his doctor to return to game action, even though he has been working out with the team. Caron Butler, who recently returned after missing 16 games with a strained hip flexor, is being bothered by a sore left wrist.

The probable starting lineup for WAS:

G... Antonio Daniels (8.8 ppg, 4.9 asts)
G... DeShawn Stevenson (11.0 ppg)
F... Caron Butler (21.0 ppg, 6.9 rebs)
F... Antawn Jamison (21.6 ppg, 10.3 rebs)
C... Brendan Haywood (10.7 ppg, 7.4 rebs)

Top reserves: Roger Mason (8.7 ppg); Andray Blatche (7.3 ppg, 5.3 rebs); Nick Young (7.3 ppg); Darius Songalia (5.7 ppg)

WAS is averaging 98.5 ppg while allowing 98.7 ppg; the Magic average 105.0 ppg and allow 100.1 ppg.

The Magic are 2-0 against WAS this season, including a 30 pt blowout win in WAS earlier this month. Magic are 7 1/2 pt favorites over the Wizards (www.pinnaclesports.com).

Magic turn up offense in second half to pull away from Cavs

The Magic had an absolutely miserable first half, scoring just 40 pts on 31% FG shooting, as they trailed CLE by 5 going into the half. In particular, HTurkoglu and RLewis struggled tremendously, as they scored a combined 2 first half pts on 1 of 9 FG shooting. Things really changed in the second half, as the Magic shot 19 of 38 FGs, with Turkoglu and Lewis combining for 37 pts on 11 of 21 FGs. The Magic (45-24, 22-12 home) rallied from a 10 pt third qtr deficit, outscoring CLE (38-30) by 13 pts in the final qtr to win going away 104-90.

Four of the five Magic starters scored in double figures, led by DHoward with 23 pts (6 of 14 FGs, 11 of 15 Fts), 13 rebs; RLewis 21 pts, all of which came in the second half (7 of 11 FGs), 6 rebs; HTurkoglu 18 pts (5 of 16 FGs), 7 rebs, 5 asts; and MEvans 10 pts (4 of 5 FGs). KDooling led the reserves with 8 pts, as 5 reserves scored for the Magic.

CLE was led by LeBron James, who had his usual superb game with 30 pts, 9 rebs, 6 asts. He didn't get much help, as only two other CLE players scored in double figures with Delonte West scoring 16 pts and Sasha Pavlovic 14 pts.

The statistical breakdown:

FGs... CLE 35 of 80 (43.8%) ORL 34 of 86 (39.5%) ORL 82 CLE 76
3 PT FGs... ORL 14 of 32 (43.8%) CLE 6 of 19 (31.6%)
FTs... ORL 22 of 28 (78.6%) CLE 14 of 22 (63.6%)
REBs... CLE 44 ORL 40
AST/TO... ORL 21/10 CLE 17/14
BENCH... ORL 26 CLE 24

The Magic have now won 5 games in a row and 13 of the last 16 games overall, and now lead CLE by 6 1/2 games for the third seed in the East. Magic host WAS on WED night, with Gilbert Arenas possibly making his long-awaited return for the Wizards.

Cavs/Magic preview

The Magic (44-24, 21-12 home) will face new-look CLE (38-29, 16-19 road) for the first time since the big three team trade the Cavs were involved in where they acquired Ben Wallace and Joe Smith from CHI, and Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West from SEA, while giving up Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden to CHI. CLE currently sits 5 1/2 games behind the Magic for the third seed in the East. CLE is coming off a 98-91 victory over CHA on SUN with league-leading scorer LeBron James scoring 33 pts and Wallace grabbing 15 boards.

The Magic and Cavs have split two games so far this season, with each team winning on the other's home court. CLE beat the Magic 118-111 on FEB 11th, with Hughes scoring 40 pts for the Cavs. CLE also played that game without Zydrunas Ilgaiskas, Sasha Pavlovic, and Daniel Gibson. All but Gibson will be available tonight.

The probable starting lineup for CLE:

G... Delonte West (9.4 ppg)
G... Sasha Pavlovic (7.7 ppg)
F... LeBron James (30.9 ppg, 8.1 rebs, 7.5 asts)
F... Ben Wallace (5.7 ppg, 8.6 rebs)
C... Zydrunas Ilgauskas (13.5 ppg, 9.6 rebs)

Top reserves... Devin Brown (7.1 ppg), Joe Smith (8.7 ppg, 6.3 rebs), Anderson Varejao (7.4 ppg, 8.5 rebs), Wally Szczerbiak (9.8 ppg), Damon Jones (6.7 ppg)

CLE is averaging 97.4 ppg while allowing 97.6 ppg; ORL is averaging 105.0 ppg while allowing 100.2 ppg.

In the two games against the Magic, James has scored 68 pts with 24 asts and 20 rebs.

CLE has lost five of their last six games on the road, but have beaten the Magic three of the last five games in Orlando. The Magic have won eight of their last nine games at home, and 12 of 15 games overall. Magic are a 7 1/2 pt favorite over CLE (www.pinnaclesports.com).

Magic clinch playoff berth with win over IND

By virtue of their 122-111 victory over IND, the Magic (44-24, 21-12 home) have now officially clinched a playoff spot. With NJ's win over UT, the Nets, at 28-38, move into the eighth and final seed in the East over ATL, who is 27-38. Since NJ and ATL play each other next week, one of the teams will lose and whichever one does can not finish higher than the Magic, hence the Magic being able to clinch with the win over IND. The Magic's sizzling shooting of 63.6% from the field and 60% from the 3 PT line was enough to overcome 22 TOs and IND's 50% FG shooting, as the Pacers crept to within 4 pts with 4 and a half mins remaining before the Magic pulled away late.

The Magic had five players in double figures, led by HTurkoglu with 27 pts (13 of 23 FGs), 6 asts; RLewis 22 pts (8 of 11 FGs), 5 rebs; MEvans 19 pts (7 of 8 FGs), DHoward 18 pts (9 of 13 FGs), 12 rebs, 3 blocks, but 7 TOs; and KBogans off the bench with 11 pts (4 of 6 FGs).

IND placed six players in double figures, led by Danny Granger with 24 pts. Former Magic Travis Diener, in a reserve role, scored 5 pts with 5 asts.

The statistical breakdown:

FGs... ORL 49 of 77 (63.6%) IND 41 of 82 (50%) ORL 110 IND 90
3 PT FGs... ORL 12 of 20 (60%) IND 8 of 21 (38.1%)
FTs... IND 21 of 32 (65.6%) ORL 12 of 19 (63.2%)
REBs... ORL 36 IND 30
AST/TO... ORL 30/22 IND 25/13
BENCH... IND 35 ORL 28
TO PTs... IND 25 ORL 14

The Magic have now won 12 of their last 15 games, and are now 14-1 in their last 15 games against teams under .500 entering that game. Magic host LeBron James and CLE MON night.

Pacers/Magic preview

The Magic (43-24, 20-12 home), winners of 11 of their last 14 games and coming off a tough road win at MIA, will be trying for their fourth win in a row tonight as they host IND (25-40, 12-22 road). IND is coming off a 116-97 loss at DAL FRI night.

Pacers G Jamaal Tinsley and PF Jermaine O'Neal remain out with injuries.

The probable starting lineup for IND:

G... Travis Diener (2005 Magic second round pick) (6.9 ppg)
G... Danny Granger (18.4 ppg, 5.8 rebs)
F... Mike Dunleavy (18.2 ppg, 5.3 rebs)
F... Troy Murphy (11.7 ppg, 6.8 rebs)
C... Jeff Foster (6.3 ppg, 8.7 rebs)

Top reserves: Kareem Rush (8.9 ppg); Ronald Murray (8.6 ppg); Marquis Daniels (8.1 ppg); Shawne Williams (6.9 ppg)

IND is averaging 103.0 ppg while allowing 105.6 ppg; ORL is averaging 104.8 ppg and allows 100.1 ppg.

The Magic are 1-1 against IND this season, with both teams winning on the other's home floor. The Magic had one of their more embarrassing losses of the season in early DEC against the Pacers, as IND came back from a 15 pt third qtr deficit to stun the Magic. Magic are 11 pt favorites tonight (www.pinnaclesports.com).

Depleted Heat give Magic huge scare in 9 pt Magic win

Already missing Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade, and Dorell Wright for the rest of the season, MIA (11-53) was also without regulars Shawn Marion, Udonis Haslem, Marcus Banks, and Earl Barron and coach Pat Riley for FRI night's game against the Magic. To the Heat's credit, they came to play and played the Magic tight throughout before the Magic (43-24, 23-12 road) scored 9 of the game's final 11 pts to pull out a 103-94 victory. The Magic survived a career game from MIA G Jason Williams who scored 34 pts, along with 7 asts and 6 rebs.

The Magic had five players in double figures, led by JNelson with 21 pts (6 of 7 FGs), 7 asts, 0 TOs; HTurkoglu 20 pts (7 of 16 FGs), 6 asts, 5 rebs; DHoward 18 pts (6 of 13 FGs, 6 of 16 FTs), 16 rebs; RLewis 15 pts (6 of 13 FGs), 8 rebs; and KDooling off the bench with 10 pts (3 of 4 FGs).

In addition to Williams' 34 pts, which is 26 pts above his season average, Daequan Cook scored 15 pts, which is double his season average. Reserve C Joel Anthony scored 10 pts, his first pts of the season.

Stat of the night: The Magic attempted 30 more FTs than the Heat.

The statistical breakdown:

FGs... MIA 39 of 82 (47.6%) ORL 35 of 74 (47.3%) MIA 88 ORL 80
3 PT FGs... ORL 10 of 30 (33.3%) MIA 10 of 30 (33.3%)
FTs... ORL 23 of 36 (63.9%) MIA 6 of 6 (100%)
REBs... ORL 41 MIA 31
AST/TO... ORL 20/11 MIA 16/12
BENCH... ORL 21 MIA 19

The Magic swept the season series from the Heat and have now beaten them 9 games in a row. The Magic continue to lead the NBA in road wins with 23, and have won 11 of their last 14 games overall. Magic are right back at it SAT night hosting IND.

Magic/Heat preview

The MIA Heat (11-52, 6-26 home) are in the midst of one of the most amazing collapses in sports history, from winning the 2006 NBA championship to having the worst record in the NBA less than two years later. The Heat have lost six games in a row and 33 of their last 36 games overall, and are coming off a 91-88 home loss to NY WED. Dwyane Wade has been shut down for the rest of the season. Pat Riley will not coach the game tonight so he can scout the NCAA Big 12 Tourney. Assistant Ron Rothstein will coach the Heat. In addition, Udonis Haslem is questionable with an ankle injury.

The Magic (42-24, 22-12 road) will look to continue to solidify the third playoff spot in the East.

The probable starting lineup for MIA:

G... Jason Williams (8.4 ppg)
G... Daequan Cook (7.5 ppg)
F... Ricky Davis (13.8 ppg)
F... Shawn Marion (15.5 ppg, 10.2 rebs)
C... Mark Blount (8.7 ppg)

Top reserves... Chris Quinn (5.2 ppg); Alexander Johnson (3.9 ppg); Bobby Jones (3.4 ppg)

MIA is averaging 93.7 ppg and allows 101.3 ppg; the Magic average 104.8 ppg and allow 100.2 ppg.

The Magic have not lost to the Heat since FEB of 2006 and have won 8 games in a row against them since then, including 3-0 this season. MIA's last three losses overall have been only by a combined seven pts.

It's not often you see a road team favored by 11 1/2 pts, but that's what the Magic are favored by (www.pinnaclesports.com) in what figures to be a mismatch, at least on paper.

Balanced scoring effort leads Magic to decisive win over Clippers

Six players, including all five starters, scored in double figures for the Magic (42-24, 20-12 home), as they jumped out to a 13 pt lead after the first qtr and were able to maintain that double digit lead for most of the rest of the game against LAC (21-42). The Clippers briefly cut the Magic lead to 9 pts in the third qtr, but the Magic quickly extended their lead and were never threatened the rest of the way in a 110-88 win.

DHoward led the Magic with 22 pts (9 of 14 FGs), 14 of which came in the first qtr, 13 rebs, 3 blocks, but 7 TOs; RLewis 19 pts (7 of 12 FGs), 9 rebs, 5 asts; HTurkoglu 17 pts (6 of 16 FGs), 7 rebs, 4 asts; MEvans 13 pts (5 of 12 FGs); JNelson 12 pts (3 of 5 FGs), 5 asts, 0 TOs; and CArroyo led the bench with 13 pts (6 of 8 FGs), 4 asts.

LAC, playing without starting C Chris Kaman, were led by two former Magic players, Corey Maggette with 22 pts and Cuttino Mobley 17 pts. Rookie Al Thornton also added 17 pts.

The statistical breakdown:

FGs... ORL 42 of 81 (51.9%) LAC 34 of 83 (41.0%) ORL 95 LAC 71
3 PT FGs... ORL 11 of 30 (36.7%) LAC 3 of 18 (16.7%)
FTs... ORL 15 of 17 (88.2%) LAC 17 of 24 (70.8%)
REBs... ORL 46 LAC 38
AST/TO... ORL 22/13 LAC 16/5
BENCH... ORL 27 LAC 23
TO PTs... LAC 21 ORL 3
FAST BREAK PTs... ORL 29 LAC 17

The Magic now have a 4 1/2 game lead over CLE for the third spot in the East, with the Cavs' loss to NJ. The Magic have won 10 of their last 13 games and are a season-high 18 games over .500. In those 10 wins, the Magic are averaging 111.6 ppg while allowing just 93.8 ppg, and seven of those ten wins have come against sub-.500 teams. In their last 13 games involving teams that were under .500 entering that game, the Magic are 12-1, so that shows the Magic are now dominating the teams that they should be. In their last 12 games against teams over .500, the Magic are 6-6.

With the majority of the rest of their schedule against sub-.500 teams, 53 or 54 wins is certainly within reach for the Magic. Next game FRI night against the Heat, who are without Dwyane Wade the rest of the season.

Clippers/Magic preview

The Magic (41-24, 19-12 home), winners of 9 of their last 12 games, take on the struggling LA CLippers (21-41, 9-19 road), losers of 8 of their last 10 games. However, LAC is coming off a 99-98 win at MIA MON, and were led in scoring by former Magic G Cuttino Mobley with 29 pts. Former Magic first round draftee Corey Maggette added 22 pts as did Al Thornton. Clippers C Chris Kaman (16.0 ppg, 13.1 rebs) had to sit out against MIA because of lower back pain, and may not play against the Magic. Elton Brand and Shaun Livingston both most likely will not play this season as they recover from major injuries.

The probable LAC starting lineup:

G... Brevin Knight (4.5 ppg)
G... Queitin Ross (4.1 ppg)
F... Corey Maggette (22.1 ppg, 5.7 rebs)
F... Al Thornton (11.8 ppg)
C... Josh Powell (4.3 ppg)

Top reserves... Cuttino Mobley (12.8 ppg); Tim Thomas (12.8 ppg, 5.3 rebs); Ruben Patterson (5.1 ppg); Dan Dickau (4.9 ppg)

LAC is averaging 93.9 ppg, while allowing 99.6 ppg. ORL is averaging 104.7 ppg while allowing 100.3 ppg.

According to the Sentinel's Tim Povtak, Magic G KDooling was available to play against ATL, but Coach Van Gundy decided to go with CArroyo as the backup to JNelson. It'll be interesting to see if that changes from game-to-game.

The Magic beat the Clippers 113-107 back in JAN. No line out yet for tonight's game because of the uncertainty of Kaman playing or not.

For more Magic coverage, check out Ben Q. Rock's thirdquartercollapse.com blog and also Magic Man Evan's boldnblue.blogspot.com blog.

Torrid first half and Turkoglu's triple-double lead Magic over ATL

The Magic (41-24, 19-12 home), having something to prove after playing an awful final three quarters against GS on SAT, had a much better offensive game against ATL (26-37) scoring 74 first-half points on 61.4% FG shooting in that first half en route to a comfortable 123-112 victory. The Magic were able to maintain a double-digit advantage throughout the second half.

Six Magic players scored in double figures, led by HTurkoglu's triple-double of 23 pts (9 of 17 FGs), 13 asts, 10 rebs; DHoward 26 pts (8 of 14 FGs), 16 rebs; RLewis 22 pts (8 of 16 FGs), 6 rebs; KBogans off the bench with 19 pts (7 of 8 FGs); JNelson 13 pts (5 of 10 FGs), 4 asts; and CArroyo off the bench with 11 pts (4 of 7 FGs).

KDooling was unavailable for the game along with JRedick, who left the team to be with his ailing brother who is about to undergo surgery.

ATL had five players in double figures, led by Joe Johnson, who had his usual outstanding game against the Magic with 27 pts, 11 asts. Mike Bibby, playing his first game against the Magic as a member of the Hawks, added 23 pts.

The statistical breakdown:

FGs... ATL 46 of 90 (51.1%) ORL 45 of 84 (53.6%) ORL 105 ATL 103
3 PT FGs... ORL 15 of 28 (53.6%) ATL 11 of 17 (64.7%)
FTs... ORL 18 of 28 (64.3%) ATL 9 of 13 (69.2%)
REBs... ORL 43 ATL 40
AST/TO... ORL 27/9 ATL 26/11
BENCH... ORL 32 ATL 26
TO PTs... ORL 20 ATL 4

Even though the Hawks had one more FG than the Magic, the Magic had four more 3 pt FGs and nine more FTs. The Magic, winners of 7 of their last 9 games, have now surpassed their win total from last season, and have beaten every team in the East. Magic are back in action WED hosting the LA Clippers.

Hawks/Magic preview

The Magic (40-24, 18-12 home) take on another team that is desperately fighting for a playoff berth, as they host ATL (26-36, 7-24 road) MON night. ATL is coming off two wins on SAT, beating MIA in the completion of the first game and also in the regularly scheduled game 97-94, where Joe Johnson scored 39 pts to lead the Hawks.

The probable starting lineup for ATL:

G... Mike Bibby (12,7 ppg, 5.6 asts)
G... Joe Johnson (21.0 ppg, 5.4 asts)
F... Marvin Williams (15.3 ppg, 5.8 rebs)
F... Josh Smith (17.2 ppg, 8.0 rebs)
C... Al Horford (9.7 ppg, 9.9 rebs)

Top reserves: Josh Childress (11.8 ppg); Salim Stoudamire (5.3 ppg); Zaza Pachulia (4.9 ppg); Acie Law (4.6 ppg);

ATL is averaging 95.9 ppg and allowing 98.7 ppg; the Magic are averaging 104.4 ppg while allowing 100.2 ppg.

ATL is the only Eastern Conference team the Magic have not beaten this season, as they lost the first game the two teams played in ORL 98-97 back in DEC. ATL has beaten the Magic three games in a row, and 4 out of the last 5 games. The Hawks are just holding on to the eighth spot in the East, just 1/2 game ahead of NJ and 1 1/2 games ahead of CHI. The game means a lot more to ATL than the Magic, but the Magic will want to do much better than the disappointing effort they gave while losing to GS SAT. Magic are 9 1/2 pt favorites (www.pinnaclesports.com).

Disastrous third quarter and turnovers cost Magic in loss to GS

The Magic looked like they were well under way to another impressive win, as they shot 14 of 20 FGs in the first qtr for a 36-27 lead over GS heading into the second. The Magic inexplicably were ice-cold from that point on, making only 20 of 55 FGs (36.4%) the rest of the game, including just 12 of 34 FGs (35.3%) in the second and third qtrs. The Magic were still ahead by 8 pts at the half, and 58-49 early in the third qtr before GS went on a 27-7 tear to go ahead by 11 pts late in the third. The Magic could get only as close as 7 pts after that, and never threatened in the final qtr as the Warriors (39-23) strengthened their hold on the last playoff spot in the West with a 104-95 win over the Magic (40-24, 18-12 home).

Four Magic players scored in double figures, with three of those players scoring more than 20 pts, led by DHoward with 26 pts (8 of 14 FGs), 14 rebs, 5 blocks. However, only 5 of those pts came in the second half on 2 of 5 FGs. HTurkoglu added 23 pts (9 of 17 FGs), 5 rebs, but 7 TOs; RLewis 21 pts (9 of 18 FGs), 8 rebs; and JNelson with 10 pts (3 of 7 FGs), 5 asts. KBogans led the bench with just 4 pts (1 of 4 FGs). The Magic SGs, MEvans and Bogans, combined for just 9 pts on 3 of 10 FGs.

Baron Davis proved to be unstoppable, as he led GS with 33 pts (13 of 27 FGs), 9 rebs. Stephen Jackson added 16 pts, and Monta Ellis 14 pts.

The statistical breakdown:

FGs... GS 38 of 94 (40.4%) ORL 34 of 75 (45.3%) GS 82 ORL 78
3 PT FGs... ORL 10 of 21 (47.6%) GS 6 of 24 (25%)
FTs... GS 22 of 26 (84.6%) ORL 17 of 24 (70.8%)
REBs... GS 44 ORL 42
AST/TO... ORL 17/20 GS 16/9
BENCH... GS 22 ORL 10
STEALS... GS 14 ORL 3
FAST BREAK PTS... GS 27 ORL 7

This was the Magic's first home loss since FEB 11th to CLE and breaks the Magic's 5 game home winning streak. With the Warriors involved in such a tight playoff race out West, every game is vital to them, and they definitely wanted this game more than the Magic did, as the Magic were not up to the challenge of beating a quality team from the West. Magic are back in action MON night hosting ATL.

High-scoring Warriors take on Magic tonight

GS (38-23, 17-13 road), barely holding onto the eighth and final playoff spot in the West and winners of 7 of their last 10 games, come into Orlando to play the surging Magic (40-23, 18-11 home), winners of 8 of their last 10 games. GS is coming off a 134-99 thrashing of the pitiful Heat FRI night, with Stephen Jackson leading the Warriors with 22 pts.

New GS acquisition Chris Webber has a sore knee and is questionable for the game; C Andris Biedrins played for the first time in six games against MIA, as he is recovering from an appendectomy. For the Magic, KDooling's status over his sore foot is not known, while KBogans is playing through a strained abdominal muscle.

The probable starting lineup for GS:

G... Baron Davis (22.0 ppg, 7.9 asts)
G... Monta Ellis (19.5 ppg)
F... Stephen Jackson (20.9 ppg)
F... Brandan Wright (4.1 ppg)
C... Al Harrington (14.4 ppg, 5.4 rebs)

Top reserves: Andris Biedrins (10.3 ppg, 9.7 rebs); Kelenna Azubuike (8.5 ppg); Matt Barnes (7.9 ppg, 5.0 rebs); Mickael Pietrus (6.2 ppg); Austin Croshere (3.8 ppg)

GS is averaging 110.9 ppg, while allowing 107.9 ppg. ORL is averaging 104.6 ppg, and allowing 100.1 ppg.

The Magic won an exciting 123-117 OT game against the Warriors in early DEC, and will be trying to sweep GS for the first time since the 2001-02 season. In the last seven games, the Magic have held their opponents to an average of just 93.7 ppg. The Warriors have scored at least 100 pts in 25 consecutive games, and are one game ahead of ninth-place DEN but just 1/2 game behind seventh-place DAL in the Wild Wild West. The Magic are 7 1/2 pt favorites over GS (www.pinnaclesports.com).

Magic equal win total from last season in blowout over WAS

Playing their second game in two nights, there may have been some concern about the Magic, as their last two losses have come in that same circumstance. However, the Magic (40-23, 22-12 away) left absolutely no doubt that they were ready and focused as they dominated WAS (29-31) from start to finish in a 122-92 blowout for their eighth win in their last ten games. The Wizards were without stars Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler, while KDooling sat out for the Magic.

Eleven of the twelve players for the Magic scored at least 4 pts. Six players scored in double figures, led by DHoward with 20 pts (7 of 12 FGs, 6 of 6 FTs), 11 rebs; MEvans 17 pts (6 of 8 FGs), 6 rebs; RLewis 17 pts (6 of 13 FGs); KBogans off the bench with 17 pts (6 of 8 FGs); HTurkoglu 12 pts (5 of 9 FGs), 5 rebs; and CArroyo off the bench 11 pts (4 of 8 FGs), 6 asts. JNelson added 9 pts (4 of 4 FGs), 10 asts.

Five players scored in double figures for WAS, with Antawn Jamison scoring 19 pts and former Magic guard Deshawn Stevenson scoring 17 pts.

The statistical breakdown:

FGs... ORL 46 of 82 (56.1%) WAS 35 of 82 (42.7%) ORL 104 WAS 79
3 PT FGs... ORL 12 of 27 (44.4%) WAS 9 of 21 (42.9%)
FTs... ORL 18 of 22 (81.8%) WAS 13 of 16 (81.2%)
REBs... ORL 39 WAS 37
AST/TO... ORL 27/11 WAS 22/15
BENCH... ORL 47 WAS 46

As the Magic continue to surge to clinching the SE division title and also the third seed in the conference, they are playing their best basketball of the year. In the Magic's last eight wins, they are averaging 110.4 ppg, while allowing just 92.3 ppg, a stunning difference of 18.1 ppg. There still is more than a month remaining, and already the Magic have as many victories as last season with 40. 50 wins now seems to be a foregone conclusion as the Magic hopefully continue to peak in the season's final weeks. The run-and-gun GS Warriors will pose a challenge for the Magic SAT night in ORL.

Late surge lifts Magic over Raptors

After a lackluster first half which saw the Magic ahead just 44-41 on 40% FG shooting, the Magic (39-23, 18-11 home) came alive in the second half, making 23 of 34 FGs (67.6%), including 12 of 16 FGs in the final qtr, for a 102-87 triumph over TOR (32-27), which was playing without All-Star Chris Bosh. The Magic were without defensive stopper KDooling, but JNelson returned to the starting lineup and KBogans, who was doubtful going into the game, played 25 minutes. The Magic also made 5 of 7 3 pt FGs in the second half.

The Magic had four players in double figures, led by HTurkoglu with another outstanding all-around game of 24 pts (9 of 16 FGs), 8 asts, 7 rebs; RLewis 22 pts (9 of 13 FGs); DHoward 19 pts (7 of 10 FGs), 16 of which came in the fourth qtr, 14 rebs; and JNelson 13 pts (5 of 11 FGs), 6 rebs, 4 asts. CArroyo led the bench with 7 pts (3 of 7 FGs); KBogans and BCook each added 6 pts.

Four TOR players scored in double figures, with T.J. Ford coming off the bench to lead with 20 pts; Anthony Parker added 19 pts. Rasho Nesterovic, starting in place of Bosh. scored just 2 pts.

The statistical breakdown:

FGs... ORL 40 of 76 (52.6%); TOR 36 of 88 (40.9%) ORL 88 TOR 74
3 PT FGs... ORL 8 of 23 (34.8%) TOR 2 of 14 (14.3%)
FTs... ORL 14 of 20 (70%) TOR 13 of 19 (68.4%)
REBs... TOR 47 ORL 41
AST/TO... ORL 18/15 TOR 15/13
BENCH... TOR 40 ORL 22

With the win, the Magic clinch the season series over TOR 2-1, and are 5 1/2 games ahead of the Raptors in the conference standings. The Magic have won 7 of their last 9 games, and 5 home games in a row. Magic go right back at it WED night, traveling to WAS.

Magic-killer Bosh to miss tonight's game as TOR visits the Magic

The Magic (38-23, 17-11 home), who have won their last 4 home games, take on TOR (32-26, 14-14 road) tonight at Amway Arena. TOR will be without leading scorer Chris Bosh (22.6 ppg), as he has a swollen knee and will not play this week. Bosh has two of his five career 40+ pt games against the Magic, and is averaging over 33 ppg in his last five games against the Magic. The Raptors have lost two games in a row, both without Bosh, and are coming off a 110-98 road loss to CHA on SUN. Anthony Parker led TOR with 25 pts.

The projected starting lineup for TOR:

G... Jose Calderon (12.5 ppg, 8.7 asts)
G... Anthony Parker (12.0 ppg)
F... Jamario Moon (8.5 ppg, 6.1 rebs)
F... Andrea Bargnani (10.4 ppg)
C... Rasho Nesterovic (4.4 ppg)

Top reserves: T.J. Ford (11.9 ppg, 6.3 asts); Carlos Delfino (9.6 ppg); Jason Kapono (7.8 ppg); Kris Humphries (5.6 ppg); Joey Graham (3.9 ppg); Primoz Brezec (2.1 ppg)

TOR is averaging 100.2 ppg and allowing 96.1 ppg; ORL is averaging 104.3 ppg while allowing 100.4 ppg.

The Magic are 5-2 since the All-Star Break, and one of those losses was an embarrassing loss at the Raptors two weeks ago 127-110, where Bosh scored 40 pts. The Magic won't have to worry about him this time, but still can't get complacent because TOR beat the Magic last season in ORL in a game that Bosh missed. Magic are a 8 1/2 pt favorite against the Raptors (www.pinnaclesports.com).

Great effort from starters leads Magic to easy win over NY

The Magic, who were without PGs JNelson (strained hamstring, flu) and KDooling (sprained foot), allowed the Knicks to hang around for a little over a quarter before turning up their game and routing the Knicks 118-92, thanks to solid games from the five starters. 11 of the 12 Magic players scored in the game. The Magic (38-23, 17-11 home) scored 68 pts in the first half en route to a 20 pt lead after three qtrs. NY (18-41) briefly pulled to within 13 pts before the Magic pulled away again in the final qtr.

Three of the five Magic starters scored over 20 pts, led by DHoward with 26 pts (10 of 16 FGs), 22 rebs, 3 steals, and 2 blocks; HTurkoglu 25 pts (9 of 17 FGs), 10 asts, 8 rebs; RLewis 22 pts (7 of 15 FGs), 7 rebs, 3 steals; CArroyo, starting at the point in place of Nelson, had a solid game, considering he had several DNP-CDs and was benched the last game after an angry exchange of words with Coach Van Gundy, scoring 13 pts (4 of 9 FGs) with 8 asts, and just 1 TO. MEvans added 11 pts (4 of 6 FGs). KBogans led the bench with 6 pts (1 of 6 FGs). PF Marcin Gortat scored his first two pts of the season late in the game.

Four players scored in double figures for NY, led by Jamal Crawford with 23 pts and 7 asts. The Knicks were without second-leading scorer and top rebounder Zach Randolph.

The statistical breakdown:

FGs... ORL 41 of 79 (51.9%) NY 36 of 89 (40.4%) ORL 90 NY 76
3 PT FGs... ORL 8 of 24 (33.3%) NY 4 of 10 (40%)
FTs... ORL 28 of 37 (75.7%) NY 16 of 21 (76.2%)
REBs... ORL 54 NY 37
AST/TO... ORL 22/11 NY 15/9
BENCH... NY 37 ORL 21

Good bounce-back game from the Magic after the awful effort against PHI WED night. In their last six wins, the Magic are outscoring the opposition by an average of almost 17 pts, 109.8-93.2, an indication they are getting that killer instinct they lacked earlier in the season. Magic have two more days off before hosting TOR TUE evening, with the Magic owing the Raptors payback after the Raptors' 17 pt win over the Magic less than two weeks ago.