Tonight's Game: Philadelphia 76ers at Orlando Magic
by Evan Dunlap on Nov 6, 2008 5:46 PM EST
in 2008/2009 Previews
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PrintPhiladelphia 76ers at Orlando Magic, Nov 6, 2008 8:00 PM EST
| 2008/2009 NBA Regular Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
@ |  |
| 2-3 | 2-2 | |
| November 6th, 2008 | ||
| Amway Arena | ||
| 8:00 PM | ||
| TNT | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Andre Miller | PG | Jameer Nelson |
| Andre Iguodala | SG | Mickael Pietrus |
| Thaddeus Young | SF | Hedo Turkoglu |
| Elton Brand | PF | Rashard Lewis |
| Samuel Dalembert | C | Dwight Howard |
UPDATE: Yahoo! Sports' Kelly Dwyer has anointed this game tonight's "Game to pay attention to." Meanwhile, Liberty Ballers picks the Magic to win, 146-75. Losing to the Heat will do that to a fan, I suppose.
The Orlando Magic will face the thoughest test of their young season tonight when they play the Philadelhpia 76ers, a team that came on strong during the second half of last season and scored the biggest free-agent addition this summer with the signing of Elton Brand. So far, the 76ers have underperformed. They dropped a 106-83 decision last night in South Beach, shooting 41.0% (eFG) and committing 25 turnovers in a 96-possession game; perhaps they're struggling to integrate Brand into their offense. However, they aren't going to shoot so poorly over the course of an entire season, and they'll be especially hungry for a win tonight after last night's embarrassment.
The Magic know as much, just as they know they aren't playing to the best of their ability. Brian Schmitz thinks it's pressure of living up to early-season expectations that's hurting them. Whatever it is, they need to get over it tonight. A national TV audience will be watching for them for the first time since the Detroit Pistons eliminated them from the Playoffs in May. The defining play of that game was Tayshaun Prince's incredible block of Hedo Turkoglu's driving dunk attempt in the final minute. One could make the pop-psychological argument that Turk hasn't played the same since that moment. He's scoring 15.5 points per game this year, down from 19.5 last season, his shooing is down 10 percentage points, and his three-point shooting is down 13 points. He also shot poorly in international competition this summer, although his playmaking and leadership were superb as usual. Understandably, the Magic are worried, says John Denton.
More on the game after the jump.
Luckily, if there's any team against which Turk can get it going, it's Philadelphia. Last year, he eviscerated the 76ers for 22.5 points per game on 52% shooting, 63% three-point shooting, and 96% free throw shooting. What's more, he added 5.3 rebounds and 7 assists per game. The Magic will need him to make the difference tonight, as Philadelphia's beefed-up its interior defense stands a chance of slowing down Dwight Howard, while Rashard Lewis will likely expend most of his energy on the defensive end trying to keep the stout Brand out of the post.
Oh, and they'll need to count on point guards Jameer Nelson and Anthony Johnson, too. Andre Miller and his backup, Louis Williams, give the Magic trouble because of their size and speed, respectively. Indeed, the 76ers match-up well with the Magic. Hoepfully, Mickael Pietrus, Orlando's own free-agent signee, will be able to keep Andre Iguodala in check. Iguodala re-signed with Philadelphia for 6 years and $80 million, which is probably $20 million too much to pay for a slightly above-average swingman with no jumpshot. Liberty Ballers, SB Nation's 76ers blog, probably disagrees. But I digress.
If you're hoping that J.J. Redick will find his way back into the rotation tonight, as I suspected he might, you'll probably be sorely disappointed. Schmitz says that Stan Van Gundy has no plans to shake-up his rotation any further, and that Courtney Lee has earned playing time. Bummer for J.J., but congratulations to Courtney.
Tip's at 8 on TNT. Go Magic.
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I don't disagree.
Where will you be when the Sixers hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy? Hopefully Liberty Ballers.
Lee
… about time he got into the rotation. Glad he got some PT last game. He’ll offer more to the table than J.J. ever will.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website.
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
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.... and Dwight picks up two quick fouls
Tony Battie to the rescue less than two minutes into the game.
Magic feeding Lewis early
Intent to get him going, it appears. Then again, it could merely be because Dwight’s out of the game with 2 fouls.
Iggy just picked up his 2nd foul for Philly. Arguably the most bankable stars on either team saddled with early foul trouble on national TV. AWESOME.
Nelson finds Battie underneath
Tony has 6 points in 5 minutes, filling in admirably. Marcin Gortat fans aren’t thrilled, but it’s what’s best for the team right now.
Lookin good early
Battie with 6 points off the bench and 0 turnovers for the Magic so far!
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 8:31 PM EST reply actions
Nice to see the Magic doing well with Howard on the bench with 2 fouls.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 8:36 PM EST reply actions
Turk gets the switch on the pick-and-roll, guarded by Brand...
… and tries to just shoot over him. C’mon, Turk. Drive around the big, slow guy.
This is probably the best the Magic have looked so far
,,, they’re shooting 50% from the field, and have a 4/1 assist/turnover ratio. Nelson is particularly looking good.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 8:41 PM EST reply actions
Battie and Bogans have combined for 11 points off the bench
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 8:46 PM EST reply actions
Yeah
On only 5 attempts, too.
Battie swats the last shot of the quarter. Magic off to a great start.
Did anyone think that Howard and Brand would combine for 0 points the first quarter?
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 8:47 PM EST reply actions
Magic shooting 55%...
with a very good 7/2 assist/turnover ratio. They’re 3 for 3 on threes, too.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 8:48 PM EST reply actions
Even Doug Collins said that the Magic have moved the ball much better on offense than in previous games.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 8:49 PM EST reply actions
The threes by the Magic look like they’re coming in the flow of the offense; they’re not forcing them like the last game against the Bulls.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 8:52 PM EST reply actions
76ers go small after Dalembert gets his 2nd foul
Elton Brand, at 6’08", now in at center.
Let’s see how their small-ball lineup fares against ours.
Magic are keeping up their good shooting...
62% from the field and 4 for 4 on threes.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 8:58 PM EST reply actions
The only stat that Philly is doing better...
is that they’ve outrebounded the Magic 15-11 so far.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 8:59 PM EST reply actions
After the timeout, here are the lineups
Ivey, Williams, Rush, Iguodala, and Brand for Philly.
Johnson, Pietrus, Turkoglu, Lewis, and Battie for Orlando.
Kareem Rush likes that rim
All his shots roll in and out… then back in. 7 points for the reserve swingman.
I'm really starting to like this Johnson signing
He doesn’t do too much and plays a great style for SVG’s offense. Of course it’s early, lets see how he plays down the stretch.
Certainly different from Arroyo and Dooling
I like it. I used to think he was a 3rd-stringer at best, but he’s proven (so far) to be a capable 2nd-stringer for this team.
I agree, figured he was a security option. Guess that’s why I’m not a scout.
by magic fanatic on Nov 6, 2008 9:04 PM EST up reply actions
offensive rebounding...
Magic only have one offensive rebound so far; at least they’re shooting 57%.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 9:05 PM EST reply actions
Still bad from a percentage standpoint
1 offensive rebound compared to 13 defensive rebounds for Philadelphia.
Magic need to get on the offensive boards
Bad shot, miss, 76ers score. Lather, rinse, and repeat.
I have no idea why Turk isn’t attacking Elton Brand off the dribble. Dude can’t possibly keep up with him.
Philly's making their run now...
Magic are starting to cool off from the field
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 9:10 PM EST reply actions
B-ball is a game of streaks
They had theres, now we’re having ours. Keep theres short from now on and we should win.
Yeah...
Magic 5 of 8 on threes so far
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 9:13 PM EST reply actions
free throw shooting...
Magic are only 5 of 10 from the line… that’s gotta improve.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 9:14 PM EST reply actions
… but they’re still shooting over 50% from the field with a very good 11/4 assist/turnover ratio
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 9:15 PM EST reply actions
Battie's playing great defense
He’s doing a good job bodying-up Brand n transition and not letting him get free for easy buckets.
Great awareness by Jameer
Senses the foul coming, chucks it at the rim, earns an extra free throw.
Alright.
Good, heady play from our guys so far.
Not forcing the issue to much on offense, playing solid defense.
That's true...
considering Howard played less than five minutes and scored just 2 points.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 9:23 PM EST reply actions
Nice first half stats...
Magic shooting 53% from the field, 6 of 10 from three point range, only 5 turnovers with 11 assists.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 9:26 PM EST reply actions
The only negative for the Magic...
is the rebounding with Philly holding a 28-19 advantage, 9-1 on the offensive boards. Sixers are a perfect 8 for 8 from the line, while the Magic are 8 of 13 free throw shooting.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 9:29 PM EST reply actions
Bad shooting from the 76ers...
Miller, Dalembert, Brand, and Young are a combined 7 for 28 from the field!
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 9:31 PM EST reply actions
Brand has nine boards though...
Lewis leads the Magic in rebounds with four.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 9:32 PM EST reply actions
Magic bench...
finished with 11 points in the first half… none in the second quarter. 76ers bench has 16 points.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 9:34 PM EST reply actions
Every Magic player who played the first half...
shot at least 50% from the field (except Johnson, who didn’t attempt a shot).
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 9:36 PM EST reply actions
Another fact I love about Johnson. We haven’t had a point guard who doesn’t need to take shots in a while.
by magic fanatic on Nov 6, 2008 9:38 PM EST up reply actions
no way, has to be shorter than that. Armstrong wasn’t that bad
by magic fanatic on Nov 6, 2008 9:40 PM EST up reply actions
looking at the numbers, Armstrong took a lot more shots than I remembered
by magic fanatic on Nov 6, 2008 9:45 PM EST up reply actions
Brian Shaw, looked it up
ouch, that was a while ago
by magic fanatic on Nov 6, 2008 9:49 PM EST up reply actions
I agree
He’ll make a great head coach. Tough as nails
by magic fanatic on Nov 6, 2008 9:51 PM EST up reply actions
Lewis picks up a foul guarding Brand
But did you see the way defense swarmed Brand once he got the ball? That’s tough.
And Lewis finds Turk on a backdoor cut on the next possession
He’s scoring, rebounding, and running the offense. I love this Rashard.
Howard doesn't have any rebounds yet!
… but the Magic are doing well regardless.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 9:47 PM EST reply actions
as far as I’m concerned, this is the start of the season.
by magic fanatic on Nov 6, 2008 9:53 PM EST up reply actions
That was beautiful. Phily falling asleep defensively on the wings cuts off the ball
by NBR on Nov 6, 2008 9:57 PM EST up reply actions
What a great start to the second half!
… 14-2 Magic!
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 9:54 PM EST reply actions
Not worried, 90% of the time he isn’t afraid to take that shot
by magic fanatic on Nov 6, 2008 10:02 PM EST up reply actions
Nelson's assist/turnover ratio...
is 5/3 so far. Hopefully he doesn’t commit any more turnovers.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 10:01 PM EST reply actions
Dalembert...
is killing us on the offensive boards… but Howard answers.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 10:06 PM EST reply actions
Magic shot just 8 of 21 FGs in the third
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 10:10 PM EST reply actions
Magic need to come back with Nelson
Johnson’s really hurting them right now.
They’re missing their shots, yeah, but they also aren’t getting good looks. Maybe Nelson can fix that.
Doesn’t help that Dalembert is doing a great job on Howard, while Dwight keeps losing track of him.
Good point about AJ
… he also has 2 turnovers in just 10 minutes.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 10:12 PM EST reply actions
Sixers are shooting just 37.5% from the field but are outrebounding the Magic 40-32, including 13-5 on the offensive boards.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 10:13 PM EST reply actions
Turk only 6 of 15 from the field so far
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 10:17 PM EST reply actions
Battie gets another big offensive board, but he falls asleep
Lou Williams steals it, converts the transition layup.
Magic lead is 7. Turk has to call timeout because he can’t get the ball in.
Even with all this, Philly's only outscored us by 4 this half
It just seems a lot worse since the lead got so big in the 3rd.
Brand...
has only scored 4 points so far.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 10:20 PM EST reply actions
Damn shame Bogans tripped there
He got that long board and was ready to go all the way in transition, but he lost his footing. Foul on Brand.
76ers not wowing me so far
Magic can really look to put it away here. Philly isnt playing great ball.
Phily have been poor. They’ve looked worse than I expected throughout preseason and the early regular season games. Starting to get worried about them.
I don’t have much faith in Mo Cheeks.
Players need to step up, not much leadership on display so far. They’re disorganized on both ends.
'Dre Miller's looked bad tonight
Missed 14 of his 19 shots, only 2 assists….. really digging his team a deep hole.
Magic bail out Iguodala right there
He had nowhere to go and was about to throw up an awful shot, but Dwight fouled him. Aggravating.
Here for scouting
I’m disappointed that I’m not getting a chance to evaluate Marcin Gortat.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
And no Redick either!
I think SVG and Eddie Jordan are conspiring against us with their rotations.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Nov 6, 2008 10:31 PM EST up reply actions
SVG...
has gone with a strict eight-man rotation tonight so far.
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 10:31 PM EST reply actions
Wish Turk would have made that three
by Mike from Illinois on Nov 6, 2008 10:34 PM EST reply actions
We've seen this from Orlando before
They get a lead in the upper single-digits at home, and they continue to take deep “dagger” 3-pointers instead of working the ball inside to get a higher-percentage shot.
Yes
But fear not, those will go in against the Wizards. Because 1) Steve “DAGGER!” Buckhantz calling the game and 2) We made Walter Hermann look like Hedo Turkoglu.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Nov 6, 2008 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
Only being paid $2mil this season. I couldn’t believe the Pistons got him so cheaply … especially after how they discarded him from their rotation last year.
Pistons got four good big men, a loaded backcourt and Prince at small forward. I’ll be surprised if Herrmann gets as many as 10-12mpg. His lack of minutes should keep that price tag low.
Andre Miller is Orlando's MVP so far
5-of-22 from the field, 3 of his shots have been blocked. Ugly, ugly, ugly game for him. In a contract year, too.
Dwight is pretty good with those
!
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Nov 6, 2008 10:45 PM EST up reply actions
Like I said before
We were 2-2 going into tonight, this sins of the seasons start were washed on national tv. Big win against the best team we’ve seen so far. The season has begun.
could have been 5-0
but they didn’t deserve to win their first two games. they played with no heart and I was glad they finished on the wrong side of the triple zeros. had they one even one of those games, especially the last, they probably would have thought that they just deserved to win. no my friends you have to go out and earn it. they earned it tonight and on a national stage, they showed why “they are who we thought they were.” o.k., wrong sport. obviously you can tell who my favorite football team is. GO RED (arizona cardinals) and BLUE (orlando magic).
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