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Tonight's Game: Orlando Magic at Denver Nuggets

Squareuserpicjpeg_tiny by Ben Q Rock on in 2008/2009 Previews Comment 613 comments

Orlando Magic at Denver Nuggets, Jan 17, 2009 9:00 PM EST


2008/2009 NBA Regular Season
Orlando Magic 20th anniversary logo
 @
Denver Nuggets alternate logo
32-827-13
January 17th, 2009
Pepsi Center
9:00 PM
FSN Florida HD
Probable starters:
Jameer Nelson PG Chauncey Billups
Courtney Lee SG J.R. Smith
Hedo Turkoglu SF Dahntay Jones
Rashard Lewis PF Kenyon Martin
Dwight Howard C Nenê

One night after playing a fast-paced game against the best team in the Western Conference, the Orlando Magic must take on the Denver Nuggets, another fast-paced team, which happens to be second in the West, in the thin air of Denver, Colorado. But if there's any team in the NBA that's up to the task, it's the Magic, whose 16-5 road record is tops in the league.

Although the Nuggets aren't among the league's elite teams, they are still quite formidable. Chauncey Billups has had his way with Jameer Nelson, and will get to exploit that matchup again tonight. Meanwhile, Nenê is having a monstrous year in the pivot with per-game averages of 14.9 points and 7.9 boards on 61.6% shooting. Dwight Howard will really have his hands full defensively. In fact, all the Magic players will. Denver turns the ball over on 16.3% of its possessions and only rebounds 25.9% of its own misses, but gets to the foul line at a better rate than any other team in the league. Billups is especially adept at drawing fouls, and even benefitted from a controversial foul call in a win over Dallas earlier this week when he kicked Jason Terry while shooting; the officials whistled Terry for the foul. If the Magic are tired--and they probably will be after last night's emotional win--they could find themselves hacking on defense, and giving up free points as a result. That's not good.

A win tonight would be huge for the Magic, giving them 33 wins at the halfway point of the season, but a loss here wouldn't surprise me, given Denver's skill and well-restedness. As long as they give a good effort, I won't mind if their shots come up a bit short tonight.

Tip's at 9 on FSN Florida. Thank you, NBA schedule-makers. Go Magic, and don't let J.R. Smith get hot.

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Watched the entire game last night at a bar in CT

and lost my voice screaming throughout the game, particularly the last 5 minutes of the game. what. a. game. Everyone was looking at me like I was cheering on the Huskies in the NCAA finals or at least watching the NBA Finals. ANOTHER statement game. What a resume this team has put together this season. If this was college basketball, it would be hard not to give them the #1 ranking after wins in San Antonio and Los Angeles coupled with a Cavs loss to the bulls. Kobe fears Jameer.

http://sportspicks365.com

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 12:46 PM EST reply actions  

Thinking about it, The ‘enver Nuggets (since they play no D, they get no D in their name) are just one of those porous teams. Not in a Kings/Warriors way, but they’ll give up a bucket-load of point to someone. I have a feeling that someone will be Rashard tonight. That said, I can see Kenyon Martin doing a number on us tonight.

by big aaron on Jan 17, 2009 1:13 PM EST reply actions  

Vanished????

I’m going to file a missing persons report on Khandor. That guy has went into hiding….. I love it!!!!!!! Khandor said: “There’s a solid chance that Bynum could end up being better than Howard when it’s all said and done”. Man this guy really doesn’t have a clue and the sad part is he THINKS he does…… Thought it was a good win, tough game. Erivera7 was saying how this is the best Magic team ever asembled and i agree BUT i also am seeing this team play at a level that i don’t think i’ve ever seen a basketball team play at and the crazy thing is they still can get better. When MP gets back he adds another dimension…..

by orltragic07 on Jan 17, 2009 2:59 PM EST reply actions  

Yeah, I've developed a serious mancrush on this entire team

Even Anthony Johnson. I’m starting to find his nightly mishaps to be almost adorable.

by funny80sguy on Jan 17, 2009 7:38 PM EST up reply actions  

He's just funny to watch.

He’s like a car crash on the side of the road that everyone has to see.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 17, 2009 7:39 PM EST up reply actions  

Did I ever mention the weird sites on I-4 after the Hornets game?

It was raining pretty consistently after the game, so the roads were real slick, and I saw vehicles from 3 separate accidents on the side of the road on my way home. Most of the cars contained fans leaving the arena, which provided the surreal site of lots of sad/shaken people standing on the side of the road wearing blue Superman shirts.

Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation

by Ben Q Rock on Jan 17, 2009 8:46 PM EST up reply actions  

I-4 is always a crappy highway to drive on after Magic games.

I try to stay on East Colonial Drive myself, unless I feel I can get home faster on the East/West.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 17, 2009 8:52 PM EST up reply actions  

Orlando's a 2 point dog tonight and man, I'm in the money again.

I’m really pushing my luck, my money is 7-1 with Orlando ATS this year and I really want to sit on the sidelines for this one, but I just can’t, this is the hottest team in the NBA, hands down. Denver? Back to Back? On the road? Hasn’t fazed them yet, this year. Billups? Jameer will be ready. Let’s go Magic!!

http://sportspicks365.com

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 4:21 PM EST reply actions  

Hopefully you didn't throw down too much.

Should be a good game, but with Mello out, that will help us a great deal!

"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"

by UNFNOLE on Jan 17, 2009 5:33 PM EST up reply actions  

It'll be a close game tonight. Denver has been playing well, even without 'Melo.

Given the fact this is the second of a back-to-back, coupled with the high altitude factor, and the Billups factor, it should be an interesting game. To be honest, I wouldn’t be disappointed with a Magic loss even though I feel the team can win tonight.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 17, 2009 7:40 PM EST up reply actions  

I'm always disappointed with a Magic loss...

not necessarily with the team if they play hard, but disappointed nonetheless.

http://sportspicks365.com

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 8:25 PM EST up reply actions  

It's smart betting on a team that's on such a hot streak

Congrats on your win last night, and thanks for posting the links to those awesome pics of Erin Andrews and Heidi Watney the other night too.

by Mike from Illinois on Jan 17, 2009 8:38 PM EST up reply actions  

Really? I never thought they were regarded as that great of a team when he was there

I could be wrong, but weren’t they bounced in the second round?

http://sportspicks365.com

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 8:55 PM EST up reply actions  

Turns out I'm right.

During the 2004-2005 season, the team was ranked #1 by the Associated Press for the first time in the school’s history and won a school-record 27 games. That was during CP3’s stint.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 17, 2009 8:56 PM EST up reply actions  

Pittsnogle

Was reading an article about him on RealGM the other day and he’s now a Middle School teacher, making $24,000/year, who lives in a double wide trailer with a wife and two kids.

Crazy huh? He no longer really plays pro or even semi pro ball anymore.

by big aaron on Jan 18, 2009 5:06 AM EST up reply actions  

The Magic need a win to keep ahead of the Celtics

The Celtics trounced New Jersey by 20 points earlier today.

by Mike from Illinois on Jan 17, 2009 8:40 PM EST reply actions  

I'm sure the team is aware they have a 4-day resting period after the game tonight.

So hopefully the Magic can suck it up and come away with a victory, knowing they’ll get their due rest afterwards.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 17, 2009 9:00 PM EST up reply actions  

Orlando Magic – Denver Nuggets

LIVE

http://www.iddaliyim.tr.gg

www.iddaliyim.tr.gg

by milleniumprince on Jan 17, 2009 9:03 PM EST reply actions  

Me too...

hope there’s no hangover after the big nationally televised victory.

[url=http://sportspicks365.com]Sports Picks 365[/url]

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 9:08 PM EST up reply actions  

erivera... can you help me out here? see sig

advice?

[html=http://sportspicks365.com]Sports Picks 365[/html]

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 9:11 PM EST up reply actions  

The starters played heavy minutes last night

… so we may see the reserves get more playing time tonight.

by Mike from Illinois on Jan 17, 2009 9:10 PM EST reply actions  

George Karl

says top 3 or 4…

hmmmm…

by fwedo on Jan 17, 2009 9:10 PM EST reply actions  

I heard a rumor from a buddy of mine back in Orlando ..

.. that the team is apparently exploring the possibility of trading Pietrus.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 17, 2009 9:18 PM EST reply actions  

Pietrus will improve the Magic depth at SG even more when he gets back

I’d much rather see Bogans go, since his playing time continues to dwindle.

by Mike from Illinois on Jan 17, 2009 9:24 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, but think about it .. who has more value. Clearly Pietrus does.

I mean .. the only way the Magic can get a back-up PG is if they package Bogans with someone, like Cook and a pick.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 17, 2009 9:25 PM EST up reply actions  

it's not going to be easy to get a team to take on Pietrus' contract, given he had little role in GS

and has hardly played for the Magic, looks very injury prone… sure not all his fault, but when you’re a dynamic high flyin’ jumping type, well, you’re going to take hard landings quite often.

Sports Picks 365

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 9:26 PM EST up reply actions  

allbiznis24: MAGIC LOOSE TONIGHT

is it really that hard for people to differentiate between LOSE and LOOSE? Jeeeeez.

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 17, 2009 9:30 PM EST reply actions  

Not sure where those chat room nicks are coming from

but if you’re talking about justin tv links…the majority of people in there aren’t from the US, lol..

Sports Picks 365

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 9:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Oh i know, ha

i’m just saying how ridic. it is for someone to expect someone to know Turkish…

by fwedo on Jan 17, 2009 9:35 PM EST up reply actions  

I accidentally clicked on one of my tabs up top

and suddenly instead of the Magic I was staring at a lolcat. :3

/useless comment

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 17, 2009 9:32 PM EST reply actions  

Actually .. he has a PER of 17.9

Pretty damn good for a bench player. That’s better than Varejao’s PER.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 17, 2009 9:36 PM EST up reply actions  

He definitely does.

I know we’ve been discussing the possibility of ‘Shard getting the nod simply because he doesn’t have as much of a minefield to get through, in terms of the competition he has to deal with for the Forwards. I think, though, given what’s transpired the past few days with Nelson that he may get the push he needs to get a reserve spot as opposed to Lewis.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 17, 2009 9:40 PM EST up reply actions  

this crowd is deeeead

also, the arena’s announcer has a creepily low voice

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 17, 2009 9:43 PM EST reply actions  

This is irrelevant but, speaking of best men at weddings..

My favorite baseball team is the mets… a few years ago when a former met Shawn Green got married, Carlos Delgado was his best man. Green is jewish, Delgado is puerto rican who has a really big, bald head. Well, the biggest yamika (sp?) that Green could find couldn’t fit on Delgado’s head and he had to walk around the entire day with one hand holding it onto his head.

Just found that funny, figured I’d share.

Sports Picks 365

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 9:57 PM EST up reply actions  

The Nuggets announcers saying that Hedo...

no longer makes faces and compains to the officials as much as he used to.

Yeah.

They don’t watch enough Magic basketball.

Sports Picks 365

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 9:54 PM EST reply actions  

Chris Andersen forgot

he wasn’t on steroids anymore.

by fwedo on Jan 17, 2009 10:19 PM EST reply actions  

oh crap

Andersen was going to dunk that thing all the way. Good thing Gortat had his feet set.

Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation

by Ben Q Rock on Jan 17, 2009 10:19 PM EST reply actions  

hahaaaaa

who would you rather have? Arroyo or Johnson as backup PG.

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 17, 2009 10:23 PM EST up reply actions  

I agree

and I never really liked him last year

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 17, 2009 10:25 PM EST up reply actions  

my people.

thats why i was pulling for us trading for JJ barrea.

by fwedo on Jan 17, 2009 10:30 PM EST up reply actions  

My people too.

Barea is awesome .. sure would look nice in a Magic uniform.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 17, 2009 10:31 PM EST up reply actions  

no joke

come on otis, there’s a reason people loved arroyo even though he was arrogant, a ball hog, and a streaky shooter.

by fwedo on Jan 17, 2009 10:33 PM EST up reply actions  

Yup.

He drove SVG nuts though, hah.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 17, 2009 10:33 PM EST up reply actions  

I loved Dooling

I wish we hadn’t let him go :(

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 17, 2009 10:25 PM EST up reply actions  

Heard an interview with him on Francessa's show last week

He DID NOT have good things to say about the magic.

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 10:27 PM EST up reply actions  

Sorry, it was an interview with Boomer and Carton, the show right before Mike's

anyways, they asked him how he wound up with the Nets… he basically said Orlando disrespected him by giving him such a low ball offer and New Jersey was the only team who gave him a fair deal.

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 10:28 PM EST up reply actions  

:( that's sad

I hate when former players have a bad experience when leaving. What did he say?

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 17, 2009 10:28 PM EST up reply actions  

True did they honestly think Anthony Johnson would provide that much more?

Honestly the difference in money couldn’t have been THAT great

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 10:29 PM EST up reply actions  

The Magic couldn't have afforded Dooling ..

.. they could have afforded Evans, but he’s another wing player, which Orlando doesn’t need.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 17, 2009 10:31 PM EST up reply actions  

Couldn't afford Dooling?

He got 3.3 from the Nets whereas AJ is getting 2.0 from the Magic, I don’t think it’s a case of not being able to afford him.

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 10:35 PM EST up reply actions  

Magic did so well rebounding last night...

… but are getting hammered 27-18 on the boards tonight

by Mike from Illinois on Jan 17, 2009 10:26 PM EST reply actions  

.. and Chicago loves him, as they should. Born & raised, went to Simeon .. ugh.

If Paxon can ever get his head out of his butt and stop making trash GM moves, the Bulls may win a Title in 5 years if they play their cards right. All the team really needs is a dominant big man (Bosh, for example) to pair with Rose, and it’s over.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 17, 2009 10:36 PM EST up reply actions  

So the Bulls/Spurs going down to the wire...

it’s funny that since we’ve SMASHED the hawks in 2 games and beaten the Spurs, both teams have gone on losing streaks…

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 10:39 PM EST reply actions  

Magic can't get any calls

and everything’s going Denver’s way.

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 17, 2009 10:42 PM EST reply actions  

wasn't that ball on the rim?

I thought it was a goaltend on Denver. God, I hate this game.

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 17, 2009 10:43 PM EST reply actions  

Rashard drops a three

remembers he’s playing in the game…

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 17, 2009 10:46 PM EST reply actions  

I just really hope

Dwayne Wade doesn’t become one of those players who people say was so great, but I wish he played more than he was injured. He’s fascinating to watch as a basketball fan.

Grant HIll? Ehh, not so much. Just a solidly really good player, but not electrifying. Wade is a show.

by fwedo on Jan 17, 2009 10:53 PM EST up reply actions  

Good foul on Jameer.

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 10:55 PM EST reply actions  

Haydoo!

Sit down Nene, get a first name.

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 11:01 PM EST reply actions  

TURK!

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 11:02 PM EST reply actions  

Birdman vs. J.J.

The contest is spiky hair

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 11:03 PM EST reply actions  

JJ for the win

Birdman’s is just frightening

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 17, 2009 11:04 PM EST up reply actions  

JJ wins

Steroid’s boy ruins it with the headband

by fwedo on Jan 17, 2009 11:04 PM EST up reply actions  

Turk misses the second FT

but in the ensuing scramble for the ball, Nuggets turn it over.

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 17, 2009 11:05 PM EST reply actions  

TURK!

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 11:05 PM EST reply actions  

ICE WATER IN THE VEINS

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 11:05 PM EST up reply actions  

possible 4-0 on this road trip?

unbelievable.

www.last.fm/user/mhetrick04

by mhetrick14 on Jan 17, 2009 11:09 PM EST reply actions  

The. Killer. Instinct.

Missing from many teams of our past, not this one my friends, this team is special.

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 11:12 PM EST up reply actions  

Is it me

Or does ‘Melo say, "i’ll never stop enjoying the game of basketball, I’ll never stop enjoying the game of basketball" Yes, back to back in that commercial? For those watching the Nuggets feed?

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 11:14 PM EST reply actions  

Rashard's really doing a lot tonight

driving the ball, pushing towards the basket.

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 17, 2009 11:15 PM EST reply actions  

Kleiza with a three

never thought I’d type that sentence…

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 17, 2009 11:19 PM EST reply actions  

It's. All. Over.

Clap-Clap CLAP-CLAP-CLAP

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 11:19 PM EST reply actions  

hahaha

denver still plays no d. this is a clinic. nelson still isn’t in!

www.last.fm/user/mhetrick04

by mhetrick14 on Jan 17, 2009 11:21 PM EST reply actions  

I just saw the white dude with dreads behind the Nugs bench someone mentioned earlier...

I remember seeing him during a game earlier this year, must be some kind of trainer.

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 11:22 PM EST reply actions  

Orlando wins again, another perfect road trip.

AND they keep fattening my pockets!

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 11:34 PM EST reply actions  

Can't miss

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 17, 2009 11:35 PM EST reply actions  

Hot stats! Fresh off the presses!

Magic: 41 rebounds, 16 assists, 46.2% FG, 70.0% FTs, 42.3% on threes, 7 steals, 11 TOs, 6 blocks

Nuggets: 47 rebounds, 19 assists, 36.5% FG, 70.0% FTs, 31.2% on threes, 5 steals, 17 TOs, 4 blocks

Interesting note: both teams attempted 30 FTs, and made only 21.

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 17, 2009 11:39 PM EST reply actions  

Magic end the first half 33-8

If they match that in the second half, they’ll finish 66-16!

by Mike from Illinois on Jan 17, 2009 11:39 PM EST reply actions  

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