Tonight's Game: Orlando Magic at Charlotte Bobcats
by Evan Dunlap on Nov 16, 2008 10:30 AM EST
in 2008/2009 Previews
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PrintOrlando Magic at Charlotte Bobcats, Nov 16, 2008 5:30 PM EST
| 2008/2009 NBA Regular Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
@ |  |
| 6-3 | 3-5 | |
| November 16th, 2008 | ||
| Time Warner Cable Arena | ||
| 5:30 PM | ||
| FSN Florida | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Jameer Nelson | PG | Raymond Felton |
| Mickael Pietrus | SG | Matt Carroll |
| Hedo Turkoglu | SF | Gerald Wallace |
| Rashard Lewis | PF | Sean May |
| Dwight Howard | C | Emeka Okafor |
I'm never quite sure what to make of the Charlotte Bobcats. The decision they made to hire Larry Brown as their head coach only further complicated the issue, as Brown is an advocate of the "right way" style, yet his team is ill-suited to play that style. This team needs an identity and a direction. The assemblage of talent is eclectic, to say the least:
- Raymond Felton is the NBA's equivalent of Trent Dilfer: he's not good enough to win many games, but he's not bad enough to lose many, either. That would all change if he could shoot straight.
- Emeka Okafor will never be more than a fringe All-Star, but he's good enough to anchor a defense with his rebounding and shot-blocking.
- Jason Richardson, who might miss today's game after undergoing an exploratory knee procedure earlier this week, can score in bunches... but he doesn't do anything else particularly well. To succeed, he needs to be the second or third option on offense, not the first, as he is in Charlotte.
- Gerald Wallace, like Okafor, will never be more than a fringe All-Star. And like Okafor, he's a solid defender. His health is an issue, as is his contract, and the Bobcats have decided that they're going to deal him soon.
So yeah, the team is a mess, but I think trading Wallace might fix some of its problems. The fact that it's finally getting something from Adam Morrison, who was the worst started in the NBA two seasons ago, has to be encouraging.
The only givens in this game are that the Bobcats will slow it down and try to control the tempo; and that Dwight Howard will dominate Emeka Okafor. Stats LLC notes that Howard has recorded double-doubles in 15 straight games versus Charlotte, and that his 19.6 points-per-game average against them is his highest against any opponent.
The Magic's confidence should be fairly high after gutting it out against Dallas two nights ago, after which coach Stan Van Gundy said he was proud. Additionally, the Magic beat the Bobcats twice this preseason. But the Bobcats, coming off a victory against the injury-depleted Utah Jazz, are confident and know they have what it takes to win. They made an impressive comeback against the Magic last year, so they are not to be taken lightly.
Tip's at 5:30--what is it with Charlotte and weird game times?--on FSN, so good luck trying to find it on TV in Orlando. A Magic victory gets them off to a respectable 7-3 start. Woohoo.
Go Magic.
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A win tonight puts us at 7 wins out of 8 games
That’s nothing to frown about. This team is just now starting to click and Pietrus has just started to play the way SVG wants him to. This could be ugly for Bobcat fans. I’m predicting a 97 point spread.
I KNOW they wouldn’t, basically because the MAGIC office don’t seem to look at these options much, but would Wallace fit in Orlando?
Maybe a sixth man off the bench? Kinda seems to replace the ‘Slasher’ type we lost when we let Ariza go?
Just a thought…..Go Magic.
Not impressed with either team so far
Charlotte’s shut down Dwight Howard, but can’t get anything going offensively.
Tony Battie and Mickael Pietrus are playing great ball. Unfortunately, MP has 2 fouls and Keith Bogans is struggling.
This might be the worst Orlando's played all year
Adam Morrison hits back-to-back three-pointers to put Charlotte up 8 points.
Charlotte got that last possession after Rashard Lewis failed to attack the diminutive D.J. Augustin in the post, instead throwing a crosscourt pass over the head of Courtney Lee.
I do not understand this team.
Dwight Howard has taken 1 shot in 15 minutes
Split the pair in his only trip to the foul line.
Dwight can’t get the ball, nobody can hit from the perimeter, and the result is Orlando shooting 31%. Orlando only trails by 2, though, because of its staunch defense.
Charlotte leads, 43-38, after a forgettable first half.
Orlando shoots 13-of-38 from the field and 3-of-15 from three-point range. Charlotte shoots 17-of-42 from the field and 2-of-5 from three-point range.
Dwight Howard is a non-factor for Orlando, with 2 points in 18 minutes.
I can't emphasize enough how awful Orlando is playing
Charlotte isn’t much better. Its offense picked up near the end of the half, but overall it’s playing like a 30-win team… and still beating Orlando.
Dwight picks up 2 quick fouls
Brings his total to 4. Battie in the game.
Charlotte’s about ready to start a big run…
wow I'm suddenly glad I can't watch the game
Thanks, grandma’s birthday party!
Come on, Magic…it’s Charlotte, for heaven’s sake :(
No idea
In the first half, A.J. took shots on the Magic’s first 2 possessions with him in the game. He missed them both.
He makes me sad.
TONY!
Sinks a long jumper on one end, then takes a charge on the other.
Way to go, Batt-Man!
Magic lead, 60-57, with 2:22 to play in the 3rd.
Me too.
Next year is a player option for him.
10 games into the season and I’m already worried about that.
Pietrus is awesome
Great open-court strip of Adam Morrison, gets hammered on the fast break. Little shaken up, but he’s playing great today.
Give Okafor a lot of credit
And give Dwight some, too. He’s facing constant double-teams, yet has turned the ball over only once… and has 3 assists.
Battie is playing as well as I've ever seen him
Hitting jumpers, getting to the glass, diving for loose balls….
Pietrus just tipped the ball in without even seeing the basket....while falling down.....
I hope that one’s on SportsCenter.
awesome
glad to see him stepping it up, so to speak
by TheGiantSquid on Nov 16, 2008 7:45 PM EST up reply actions
4-6 from the free throw line
that’s not bad
by TheGiantSquid on Nov 16, 2008 7:49 PM EST up reply actions
Clutch 3-pointer from Keith Bogans, his first in 5 attempts
Orlando leads by 8 with 2 minutes to play.
Well, a win is a win...
I guess I don’t feel too bad about not following the game. Judging from the comments here, it wasn’t exactly a scintillating affair. Glad to see the other four starters pick up Howard, who had one of the worst offensive games in his career. Nice job by Battie also coming off the bench.
Magic are in first place by themselves now!
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 16, 2008 10:27 PM EST reply actions
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