Toronto @ Orlando GameThread, Apr 28, 2008 7:30 PM EDT

Eastern Conference First Round: Magic vs. Raptors, Game Five

by Ben Q Rock on Apr 28, 2008 5:30 AM EDT in 2007/2008 Previews Comment 5 comments

Toronto Raptors at Orlando Magic, Apr 28, 2008 7:30 PM EDT

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Round One
	@
Magic Lead First-Round Series, 3-1
Amway Arena
7:30 PM
NBA TV, Sun Sports
Probable starters:
T.J. Ford	PG	Jameer Nelson
Anthony Parker	SG	Maurice Evans
Jamario Moon	SF	Hedo Turkoglu
Chris Bosh	PF	Rashard Lewis
Andrea Bargnani	C	Dwight Howard
Series Central

The Magic hope to ride the momentum they built up in the second half of Saturday's inspired 106-94 victory over the Raptors to a win at home today, which would allow them to advance to the second round for the first time since 1996. It won't be easy.

The two keys to a Magic victory are as follows:

Dwight Howard must stay active defensively. All 16 (!) of his blocked shots in this series have come in the Magic's 3 victories. We were 7-1 in the regular season when Dwight had 5 blocks or more, a figure that's ballooned to 9-1 in the playoffs. When he's asserting himself on the defensive end, we're damn tough to beat.
Jameer Nelson must "get his" offensively while Keyon Dooling must prevent T.J. Ford and Jose Calderon from "getting theirs". In the Raptors' Game Three win, Ford and Calderon eviscerated us to the tune of 39 points, 12 rebounds, and 16 assists. Getting them out of their comfort zones will force Chris Bosh and a tertiary player (Jason Kapono? Anthony Parker? Carlos Delfino?) to carry the Raptors' load offensively.

Tip's at 7:30 on NBA TV nationally and Sun Sports locally. Let's make it a loud crowd in the Amway Arena tonight. But, more importantly, let's get a victory and become the first team in the league to officially advance to the second round of the playoffs.

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Comments

Well said

It would also be nice if we could cut down the turn overs. This is going to be an exciting game!

'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 Apr 28, 2008 5:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Woo! Dad and I are going to this one as well. I wonder if we’re getting shirts again or noise makers…

by TheGiantSquid on Apr 28, 2008 10:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I still can’t believe this is could actually happen, it’s been too long since we’ve won a series. I wouldn’t miss tonights game for the world, I just wish I was at Amway to see it live.

by magic fanatic on Apr 28, 2008 12:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs