Tonight's Game: Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics
by Evan Dunlap on Dec 1, 2008 6:26 PM EST
in 2008/2009 Previews
Email
PrintOrlando Magic at Boston Celtics, Dec 1, 2008 7:30 PM EST
| 2008/2009 NBA Regular Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
@ |  |
| 13-4 | 16-2 | |
| December 1st, 2008 | ||
| TD Banknorth Garden | ||
| 7:30 PM | ||
| NBA TV / Sun Sports | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Anthony Johnson | PG | Rajon Rondo |
| J.J. Redick | SG | Ray Allen |
| Hedo Turkoglu | SF | Paul Pierce |
| Rashard Lewis | PF | Kevin Garnett |
| Dwight Howard | C | Kendrick Perkins |
Well, it took a little more than a month, but it's finally here: the Orlando Magic's first game against a contending team. Prior to tonight's game, the Magic had not played any team that 100% of sane NBA observers would endorse as legitimately elite. Apologies to the Houston Rockets, of course.
Facing the World Champion Celtics at full strength is tough enough, so imagine the consternation the Magic face at having to Unfortunately, the Magic are well below full strength. Their top three guards--Jameer Nelson, Mickael Pietrus, and Keith Bogans--will all miss tonight's game due to various injuries. Indeed, their backup backcourt of Anthony Johnson and J.J. Redick will have to tangle with the Boston Celtics' first-string backcourt of Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen. Unenviable, to say the least.
Keeping the score respectable should be seen as a net positive. Allen will probably torch Redick, and although rookie Courtney Lee has shown signs of being a well above-average defender, he's still susceptible to picking up dumb fouls. Basically, I'm trying to keep my expectations low so if Orlando manages not to get blown-out, I can look at the game as a net positive.
Tip's at 7:30 on NBA TV nationally and Sun Sports locally. If Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu get it going, maybe the game won't be such a laugher. I don't hold out much hope, though.
Go Magic. Keep it close. Or, even better, win. Upset the champs. Yay!
UPDATE: Here's CelticsBlog's take on the game. The featured matchups are Howard vs. Perkins and Turkoglu vs. Pierce. I'd argue that Johnson vs. Rondo is even more important, at least from Orlando's standpoint. I don't know how Johnson plans to stick to Rondo, one of the league's quickest players, defensively, but he's going to have to give it his all. I'm ridiculously afraid of him.
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Lets do this!
JJ has to to make Allen work on defense. He has to make his open looks and run like crazy when the Magic have the ball. I actually want to see a lot of Lee guarding Rondo and Turk playing the point. Add to the fact that its a cruddy MNF game and this one (hopefully) should be entertaining.
J.J. needs to run Allen through a ton of picks
Unfortunately, Dwight doesn’t get the chance to set many picks off the ball, so it’ll be up to Hedo and Rashard to lay Allen flat.
I have my hopes but they aren't high
Seriously though, if they won it would be something great to build on.
DH 0 for 4 shooting
…Lewis 2 for 6, and AJ 1 for 4.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 8:02 PM EST reply actions
not quite the epic match-up I was hoping for
even if we do pull it together in the second, we’ll still be playing catch-up the rest of the game :-/
Magic are lucky to be down just ten
… They are shooting a woeful 6 of 23 from the field and 1 for 6 from three point range; Boston’s shooting 12 for 20 from the field.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 8:09 PM EST reply actions
Nice dish from Redick to Battie
… and one.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 8:20 PM EST reply actions
aw no, but thank you!
I can travel between the living room and computer. :)
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 1, 2008 8:26 PM EST up reply actions
Magic finally starting to make shots
… and Celtics are cooling off.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 8:23 PM EST reply actions
Yep, 2 T's from the bench
figured he wasn’t going to play, so wanted to go chill in the locker room and drink some brews.
Magic have 15 free throw attempts, the Celtics just 3
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 8:30 PM EST reply actions
Lewis with 11 points to lead the Magic
… Turk and Howard each have 7 points.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 8:33 PM EST reply actions
Cassel mouthed off from the bench
… must have included profanity to get tossed like that.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 8:34 PM EST reply actions
possibly, though the refs can be awfully touchy
still, one less veteran on the Celtics
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 1, 2008 8:35 PM EST up reply actions
According to NBA TV
this was his first game not in street clothes. Guess he wanted to chill some more.
Can't believe that this deficit will be single digits at half
Paul Pierce with 3 quick fouls sure helped.
Celtics announcers are questioning the integrity of these Referees
because the magic have shot 15 more free throws. Keep repeating, “something is amiss”
it's a conspiracy, dontcha know
the refs are out to get the Celtics!
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 1, 2008 8:41 PM EST up reply actions
We were a three point attempt away from taking the lead going into the half
Not worried about it though, gotta keep that underdog spirit.
48-46 Boston at the half
Magic on a 24-11 run after trailing 37-22.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 8:39 PM EST reply actions
Magic have made 10 of 18 FGs in the second...
after starting 6 of 23 in the first.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 8:40 PM EST reply actions
well that's certainly an improvement
let’s hope the break doesn’t break their rhythm too much :-/
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 1, 2008 8:41 PM EST up reply actions
anthony johnson is getting abused by rondo, but so is anyone they put on rashard.
heinsohn’s constant whining is hilarious.
www.last.fm/user/mhetrick04
Tommy... the Celtics color commentator, NBA TV uses the home team's announcers.
Biggest homer in professional sports!!!
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 1, 2008 8:42 PM EST up reply actions
Celtics have 8 turnovers also
… to 6 TOs for the Magic. Rebounds are even at 21.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 8:42 PM EST reply actions
wow, that's all for us?
I really, really, really hope that low TO rate keeps up
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 1, 2008 8:45 PM EST up reply actions
Play one quarter at a time
They crushed us in the first but we won the second. Now lets win the third and the fourth.
Battie
… 7 points and 7 rebounds off the bench.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 8:44 PM EST reply actions
This team's got to have confidence going into the intermission...
hopefully Pierce picks up a quick 4th
Ray Allen has 14 points to lead the Celtics
… Rondo had 10 points. KG has 6 pts and Pierce just 5 pts.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 8:49 PM EST reply actions
Lewis has 18 points to lead the Magic
… on 6 of 13 shooting.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 8:50 PM EST reply actions
Leave Lewis at the 3. That means more Batman. Just tonight though.
'Coach, Dwight is a nice guy. Dwight don't hit anybody. But Superman will knock the crap out of you.' - D12
Magic have gone cold again
… shooting 0 for 6 to start the third.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 9:00 PM EST reply actions
anthony johnson should be nowhere near the court. he’s a liability out there.
lineup of lee/redick/turk/lewis/dwight was workin
www.last.fm/user/mhetrick04
I agree
but he looks good coming off the bench. He is not as much of a liability in limited minutes.
by magic fanatic on Dec 1, 2008 9:14 PM EST up reply actions
Johnson...
did well the previous two games but is not doing well tonight. Just 4 points on 2 of 9 shooting and just 2 assists.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 9:14 PM EST reply actions
Boston outscores the Magic 29-19 in the third
Magic just 7 of 18 shooting in the third.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 9:23 PM EST reply actions
Otis
I hope this game makes him realize that he needs to bring in a third point guard soon. Cook sits on the bench, are you seriously telling me that nobody in the league would give a pg for him. We’re not asking for much, just someone better than Johnson. WE NEED HELP!!!!!
....Boston's WINNING the GAME
they’ll complain about anything, my God…
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 1, 2008 9:28 PM EST up reply actions
"tony allen is getting wacked all over the place"
“and they’re calling chicken fouls at the other end and you gotta bleed at boston’s end” This is very unprofessional .
they don't care
and this is why I moved away from there
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 1, 2008 9:29 PM EST up reply actions
Boston pulling away...
up 87-71 with 8:54 remaining.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 9:30 PM EST reply actions
"20 second time out called by the heat... the magic! one of those Florida teams has just taken a time out!"
Is this really happening?
lmao
how much does Rashard weigh again?
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 1, 2008 9:35 PM EST up reply actions
You know what this means, don't you?
‘Round the clock remarks about how the Magic aren’t really that good b/c they haven’t won against “real” teams yet and that their record is a fluke.
Sigh…
why?
there’s still time left…for us to, er.
Sigh…
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 1, 2008 9:37 PM EST up reply actions
no one expected us to win, our top 3 guards are out, other than the one run in the second quarter, we’ve been dominated, and rightly so.
www.last.fm/user/mhetrick04
yeah...I didn't expect them to win, either
but still. Boo.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 1, 2008 9:39 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah
This should have been expected, even from die hard Magic fans. No team can lose their top three guards and expect to win against the Celtics.
by magic fanatic on Dec 1, 2008 9:40 PM EST up reply actions
Redick and Johnson have combined for just 10 points
… on 4 of 12 shooting. Boston’s starting guards, Rondo and Allen, have 31 combined points on 13 of 21 shooting.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 9:40 PM EST reply actions
you suck, JJ
and you too, No Neck. We were rooting for you! We were all rooting for you!!
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 1, 2008 9:41 PM EST up reply actions
Dude
You can’t qoute Tyra on a sports board. Not cool.
by magic fanatic on Dec 1, 2008 9:42 PM EST up reply actions
hahaha but you got the reference >:)
I’m sure it’s all the girlfriend’s fault, mmm?
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 1, 2008 9:43 PM EST up reply actions
I'm a devoted follower of America's Next Top Model
So feel free to reference that here. I don’t judge. Just don’t spoil Cycles 6-9 for me. I haven’t seen them.
Takes balls to admit that son
you must be very devoted. I must admit that I’ve seen a few episodes, but only cause of the girlfriend. I swear.
by magic fanatic on Dec 1, 2008 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
it's addictive, isn't it
My roommate made me watch it when we lived together in Boston, and I’ve loved that wretched show every since.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 2, 2008 8:20 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah...
the Magic aren’t going to win many games shooting that poorly from three.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 9:48 PM EST reply actions
T's
Did these teams not like each other before tonight?
If you're not having fun, stop participating.
perhaps a lot stems from Boston's losses to the Magic last year
otherwise, I can’t imagine a reason for them to dislike Orlando. We’re so likable.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 1, 2008 9:50 PM EST up reply actions
Did anyone really expect the Magic to win tonight?
… playing the defending World Champs on the road, and the Magic without three key players.
I was hoping the game would be closer, but I won’t lose much sleep over this one. They are not going to beat many teams shooting 42% from the field and 5 of 26 (19%) from three point range like tonight.
Magic have two winnable games coming up at home against Minnesota and Oklahoma City.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 10:00 PM EST reply actions
Not only key players but our 3 best backcourt options. We started our fourth and sixth best guards tonight against the best team in the leagie.
I’m sorry, but Reddick and Johnson have to be the worst starting backcourt in the league today.
by magic fanatic on Dec 1, 2008 10:03 PM EST up reply actions
and thus begins the gloating of sports commentators
oh well. I’m sure when Boston comes to our home court, we’ll want a little retribution. *cracks knuckles *
Magic play Boston three more times
Jan. 22nd in Orlando, March 8th at Boston, and March 25th in Orlando.
Hopefully the Magic will be 100% healthwise then.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 1, 2008 10:07 PM EST reply actions
Hey Be, open thread idea
What do you think about starting Lee over Johnson. Johnson isn’t a completly terrible player but he is only affective when given limited minutes. He may be the worst starting point guard in the NBA right now. That’s not an exageration by any means. Why not start Lee? We’ll be playing Minnesota at home, what’s the risk? If you start Johnson, Foye is going to burn us. If you start Lee, he can hold Foye and Turk can be the main distributer. Make it happen SVG, I can’t stand to watch No Neck start for this team any longer.
I say start Lee and Battie, and even when Nelson comes back start Battie
Just until Bogans and Pietrus get back that is. This will get Gortat into the game and we’ll see less of JJ, hopefully. He is not shooting and that’s all he is good for. He may not have the psyche for the NBA.
'Coach, Dwight is a nice guy. Dwight don't hit anybody. But Superman will knock the crap out of you.' - D12
by Eyriq the Red on Dec 1, 2008 10:49 PM EST up reply actions
Wait to you guys see the Celts Off Efficiency
Their big 3 ate us alive. That is why they are the best, they have three guys that can score efficiently any given night, and tonight we got them all. Plus Rondo came to play. So yeah, that deck was stacked.
A side note, it does not seem like Hedo likes playing with JJ. He never seems to find JJ when JJ is open, he’ll take horrible shots instead or turn it over even. I don’t get it.
'Coach, Dwight is a nice guy. Dwight don't hit anybody. But Superman will knock the crap out of you.' - D12
that's odd
they always seem to have a really good rapport before/during games.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 1, 2008 10:52 PM EST up reply actions
i don’t mean to defend jj with every post i make, but the kid has been open numerous times and no one has given him the ball. he looked good on the dribble tonight, especially finding the open man cross court when he penetrated inside. the shots will fall with a larger role in the offense.
truly believe he can give quality minutes off the bench.
www.last.fm/user/mhetrick04
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