Opening night is finally here as Magic host Atlanta
The Orlando Magic open their 20th season Wednesday night at Amway Arena as they play host to division rival Atlanta.
For the complete preview, click here
The Magic are 7 1/2 point favorites to defeat the Hawks (pinnaclesports.com).
For the complete preview, click here
The Magic are 7 1/2 point favorites to defeat the Hawks (pinnaclesports.com).
posted by Mike from Illinois @ 5:29 AM
2 Comments:
At 5:45 AM,
Mike from Illinois said…
Atlanta always seems to give the Magic fits whenever they play, so a Magic victory tonight would be a very encouraging way to start the season.
The Hawks, of course, took the World Champion Celtics to seven games in the opening round of the playoffs last season.
Wonder if J.J. Redick will be the first player off the bench in SVG's rotation?
Last season, the Magic became the only team in NBA history to make at least 5 three point field goals in all 82 regular season games.
I think the Magic will be up for the challenge tonight and play well.
Prediction: Magic 111 Atlanta 102
At 5:18 PM,
OVERWADED said…
I can't wait!
Most continue to sell the Magic short, but I'm honestly expecting them to step up to the plate and prove the basketball world wrong.
Howard is more focused than ever. His words, how he's carrying himself, going about his business; he looks prepared to make another leap this season.
I also expect Lewis to emerge more so this season. Battie and Gortat will help. Our lineups will have a lot of flexibility. If we bring in Battie or Gortat, Lewis can slide over to the 3 spot. At the same time, we might even see Turk at the 2. We have the ability to be very versatile.
Battie is being overlooked. I know he was never an all-star, but he serves a big purpose. Not only is he a solid defender, but he can not down an open basket. His presence will help us against the physical teams, and help out Howard a lot.
Pietrus is one of the most underrated signing of the summer. He is going to surprise a lot of people, even Magic fans. On both ends, he's better than he's ever been credited for. What I like about him, is that he plays with energy. Our starting lineup has needed some "fire", and I think he can give us that.
Gortat, Redick, and Lee will all contribute this season; how much I'm not sure. But I expect at least one of them to emerge.
My one is only area of concern is point guard depth. I really like Nelson and Johnson, but what happens when Nelson gets hurt? I really wish they would have just brought in D Armstrong. He would have been perfect for our guys, bench, and 3rd string.
At the same time, a lot of our offense runs through Turk, even when Nelson is on the floor, so if injuries catch up with us, I wouldn't be surprised to see Lee bringing the ball up the court.
This season we will be improved.
55+ wins if healthy.
As for tonight, I know Atlanta always plays us well, but I think Orlando might blow this one open. Dwight is going to try and make a statement from the beginning. He's going to be dominant on both ends. Throwing down dunks whenever he can, and spiking balls into the crowd at any shot someone puts up around him. I also expect him to put up a few jump shots. If Dwight is going on all cylinders like I expect, the rest of the team will follow.
Magic will win big in game 1.
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