Game night preview
ORLANDO MAGIC vs. WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Friday, Feb. 5. 7:00 p.m.
Amway Arena
Orlando, FL
Prior to the start of the season, there were high expectations for the talented, yet previously injury-riddled, Wizards. After missing nearly all of the 2008-09 campaign, Gilbert Arenas was healthy and ready to join fellow All-Stars Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler for an entire season. They even acquired Mike Miller and Randy Foye from Minnesota on a draft night blockbuster trade. The last time Washington featured a healthy lineup, centered on Arenas, Butler and Jamison, it was considered a championship contender. But unfortunately for the Wizards and their fans, legal issues with Arenas and on-the-court chemistry problems have left the team is disarray. Despite Jamison, a two-time All-Star, producing some eye-popping numbers (over 20 points and eight rebounds), Washington has not found its rhythm and talks of trades and shake-ups has dominated basketball discussions in and around the Capital. Nevertheless, the Magic will need to come prepared. The last time Orlando (33-16, 19-4 home) played Washington (16-32, 7-16 road) it lost, 104-97, on Jan. 8 at the Verizon Center. Dwight Howard, however, generated a monster performance with 23 points and 12 rebounds and reserves J.J. Redick and Mickael Pietrus each scored 14.
It will be vital for Rashard Lewis to limit Jamison from having one of his customary nights. Generally, if opponents shut the former UNC Tar Heel and college teammate of Vince Carter down, they have success against the Wizards.
| Team | Record | Standings | PF | PA | Road/Home | Streak | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 16-32 | 5th Southeast / 14th East | 97.7 | 102.1 | Road 7-16 | Lost 2 | 4-6 |
| Orlando | 33-16 | 1st Southeast / 2nd East | 100.8 | 95.5 | Home 19-4 | Won 4 | 7-3 |
Here is the complete preview from Yahoo! Sports.
posted by Mike from Illinois @ 4:27 AM
2 Comments:
At 4:35 AM,
Mike from Illinois said…
The Magic owe the Wizards one after their collapse against them in Washington 4 weeks ago.
That was the game where Carter first injured his shoulder, and here it is almost a month later and he's still trying to get it healthy.
It'll be interesting to see if VC can pick up where he left off Tuesday against the Bucks, where he had his best all-around game of the year, or if he regresses and goes back to his struggling ways that he was on before the Milwaukee game.
Regardless, the Magic should get revenge on the Wizards for the loss last month, as long as they aren't looking ahead to the big game Sunday on National TV at Boston.
At 11:39 AM,
Big Figure said…
Well jameer and MP are supposed to play so we'll see how they look back in the rotation. I think VC is realizing he doesnt have to do that much if he plays the game through dwight and becomes more of a playmaker,7 assists and better shots against the bucks made a huge difference in his game. Magic keep it going and handle the wiz!
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