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Tonight's Game: Miami Heat at Orlando Magic

P1 by erivera7 on in 2008/2009 Previews

Miami Heat at Orlando Magic, Jan 2, 2009 7:00 PM EST


2008/2009 NBA Regular Season
@
Orlando Magic main logo
17-1325-7
January 2nd, 2009
Amway Arena
7:05 PM
FSN Florida
Probable starters:
Mario Chalmers PG Jameer Nelson
Dwyane Wade SG Keith Bogans
Shawn Marion SF Hedo Turkoglu
Udonis Haslem PF Rashard Lewis
Joel Anthony C Dwight Howard

Ah yes, tonight's game sees the Orlando Magic face off against their interstate/divisional rival, the Miami Heat. Or as I like to call it .. Stan Van Gundy vs. the Miami Heat: Episode V.

We all know the story .. head coach mysteriously gets run out resigns from former team, gets replaced by mentor .. who proceeds to win NBA Title, said head coach disappears from map, roughly 1.5 years later, said head coach reappears, gets offered job with new team after new team is betrayed by college coach during hiring process, said head coach accepts job, former team is mad, forces new team to pay ransom for snagging their old coach, etc. 

 

Orlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy has said countless times that playing the Miami Heat is just another game .. but everyone knows, including the Magic players, that he delights in beating his former team. 

 

Last season, defeating the Heat wasn't too difficult. Miami was the worst team in the NBA last year and Dwyane Wade missed approximately one-third of the season due to injuries. Although Wade was present for two of the four games versus Orlando, the result was still the same for his squad - a loss. 

 

This season, things are different. The Heat, led by a rookie head coach (Erik Spoelstra) and a rejuvenated Dwyane Wade, are in the thick of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. This matchup is important for t he Magic because given where each team sits in the standings, Orlando (3rd) vs. Miami (6th) could be a possible playoff match-up. 

 

Ira Winderman from the Sun-Sentinel provides his logic behind this assumption ..

 

Click after the jump to see what he says. 

 

Star-divide

1. The Celtics and Cavaliers appear to be the class of the East, and therefore the top two seeds in the conference.

2. The Magic will fall just short of those two, but clearly rates above anyone else in the East, thereby giving Orlando the No. 3 playoff seed.

3. Atlanta looks awfully good lately and Detroit has tons of playoff pedigree, so it wouldn't be a stretch to put those two at Nos. 4 and 5 in the East, as first-round opponents.

4. The Heat currently stands No. 6 in the East, and there doesn't appear to be a team poised to blow past (although perhaps Philly g ets its act together). Otherwise, No. 6 plays No. 3 in the first round.

Onto the game ..

Although the Heat have improved this year, the Magic should have the advantage (especially with regards to bench play). The Big Three of Turkoglu/Lewis/Howard should present problems for a smaller Miami frontcourt, who's tallest man is 6'9'' (center Joel Anthony). The Heat's SF Shawn Marion, despite losing a step, is still an above-average defender so he should hold his own against Turk, but both PF Udonis Haslem and C Anthony may have some issues defensively .. Lewis' quickness and perimeter-oriented game should bother Haslem while Howard > Anthony. Don't be surprised if Marion switches off between Turk & Sweet Lew during the game. 

Wade alone provides Miami with the advantage in the battle of the backcourts. I pity Keith Bogans, Courtney Lee, and (gulp) J.J. Redick [I doubt he plays but never know]. Wade should have a field day (doesn't he always?). The other matchup is PG Mario Chalmers vs. PG Jameer Nelson, which should be interesting to watch. Super Mario has developed a niche immediately on the defensive end as a rookie and has admitted he prefers playing defense more than scoring (it shows). It's vital that Nelson takes care of the ball because Chalmers is currently 5th in the NBA in steals (2.0). If Nelson does that, he should be okay but rest assured .. Chalmers is an excellent defender and will make Nelson work for his points. 

Tip-off is at 7:05 on FSN Florida. Thanks to the recent news that Fox Cable Networks and Bright House Networks have reached an agreement, FSN Florida can now be viewed in the standard cable lineup for Central Florida residents. Finally, no more blackouts. 

Enjoy the game. Let's see if the Magic can make it 2 wins in a row. 

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Tip-off is at 7:05 on FSN Florida. Thanks to the recent news that Fox Cable Networks and Bright House Networks have reached an agreement, FSN Florida can now be viewed in the standard cable lineup for Central Florida residents. Finally, no more blackouts.

 * to those who have a cable box. if you’re just running through the string, you’re still out of luck. and even if you have the box, the schedule isn’t accurate at all. be prepared to get to know your DVR

by GuapoDCole on Jan 2, 2009 1:59 PM EST reply actions  

Better watch out for Magloire

Sounds silly, I know, but the dude’s only in there as a wrecking ball. He knows how to deliver a hard foul, and the officials have been letting a lot of things go lately.

Protect Dwight, somebody (Cook?). He’s pissed about getting pounded every night with no relief from the whistle.

Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation

by Evan Dunlap on Jan 2, 2009 4:09 PM EST reply actions  

Yeah, he should see some PT.

.. especially given the mismatch Dwight presents to Joel Anthony.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 4:17 PM EST up reply actions  

As he should be

I don’t care if it’s one of my closest friends, if I’m in a pickup game and some one brought be down by my neck like Nocioni did there would be swift action. Nocioni deserved to get slapped and he didn’t even get a flagrant puit on him. Shame.

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 4:33 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, I feel bad for Dwight.

Dude gets HAMMERED sometimes, yet more often than not it’s a no-call. I wish the Magic had an enforcer-type player that could take care of that “problem” so that players think twice about putting a major hurting on Dwight. No offense to Cook, but the fact he’s filled that “role” on one occasion is a bit sad given his standing on the team (bench-warmer).

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 4:39 PM EST up reply actions  

Cook

Yeah, and that one time he did his “enforcing,” he apologized to Baron Davis after the game (at least that is what it looked like after the game when Cook sought Davis on the court for a chat). It sorta defeated the purpose of playing the tough guy.

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 6:03 PM EST up reply actions  

Exactly.

You don’t apologize after you whack somebody. Now .. I don’t condone violence on the see (see Melo at NYC, etc.) but I do think “enforcer”-type players are necessary to back the team up when things get extra-physical.

Imagine if Kevin McHale apologized immediately after plastering Kurt Rambis to the floor? Or if the Bad Boys from Detroit apologized for their antics during the late 80’s?

Hard fouls and physical play are part of the NBA .. can’t apologize for that.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 6:20 PM EST up reply actions  

How you'll know Dwight is having an easy time of it with Miami

It’s when he decides to shoot those bank shots from the left corner. I think I’ve only seen him shoot those when the Magic are stomping on an opponent.

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 4:30 PM EST reply actions  

True.

.. usually don’t see that when the Magic are in a close game, but if the margin is wide or the game is already decided, he’ll pull up the short jumper for some practice. He’s slowly developing confidence in the shot but until we see him pull it out in a tight contest, we’ll know that he’s still perfecting it so that it can eventually be part of his repertoire.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 4:37 PM EST up reply actions  

Thanks.

I plan on watching the Utah/Alabama game so I want to still be able to watch the Magic game on my laptop.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 6:43 PM EST up reply actions  

I might be the only one that legitimately worried about Miami, not only in tonight's game, but in the future...

From the games I’ve seen them play thus far I think they’ll finish within 5-10 games of the Magic for the SE title. I also think if Cavs keep limiting ’bron to 30 minutes a game, D-Wade may snatch that MVP title right out of his hands down the stretch.

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 2, 2009 6:40 PM EST reply actions  

Hmm

I get the channel, but not the pre-game show. Is this true for everyone?

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 6:47 PM EST reply actions  

I don't know, I have the package so I don't get any pregame shows :(

coverage starts RIGHT at 7:00pm and ends during the player ON-COURT interview immediately following the game. NBA isn’t messing around.

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 2, 2009 6:48 PM EST up reply actions  

Yet for some reason...

Some channels don’t show the “Good night!” right away, like they even stick around for post-game on court player interviews before cutting to that message.

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 6:53 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah it's the Indian tribe sports recap.

And SunSports is showing a special entitled Inside the HEAT: The Draft.

Something’s amiss. Did Bright House put the Orlando market in Heat territory?

Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation

by Evan Dunlap on Jan 2, 2009 6:48 PM EST up reply actions  

I have no clue

I should have known this agreement wouldn’t be glitch-free…it’s just like Bright House. Have you experienced problems with your cable box, Ben? Like the guide would freeze or be blank, or it would take a long time to load channels.

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 6:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Oh, what a relief

Here’s the game…just no pre-game

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 7:00 PM EST up reply actions  

Over/Under - # of points D. Wade drops tonight.

Dude averages 28.7 (leads league).

I say over .. I figure he’ll drop 35+ tonight.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 6:54 PM EST reply actions  

I actually consider myself the TQC resident gambler. The actual prop for DWade tonight is 29.5, I'd take the over.

By the way, Vegas is giving Orland -8.5, which, with how the Heat have been playing in December, is going to force me to stay away from this game. I see this a 3 point game either way.

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 2, 2009 7:05 PM EST up reply actions  

I'm not much of a gambler myself.

.. just throwing out a random Over/Under for fun!

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:08 PM EST up reply actions  

off-topic

Slumdog Millionare is an amazing flick, probably the best movie to come out all year.

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 7:14 PM EST up reply actions  

Yes, I absolutely loved it

Great story, and the way they weaved the game show throughout the movie kept the audience (me, at least) tense even though the movie is essentially uplifting

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 7:16 PM EST up reply actions  

+1

My favorite movie of the year and I’ve seen: Seven Pounds, Gran Torino, Benjamin Button, The Spirit and Slumdog Millionaire all in the past 2 weeks, Slumdog wins, HANDS DOWN.

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 2, 2009 7:17 PM EST up reply actions  

I can't find Gran Torino here in Orlando

Or else I would have seen it already. Holding off on Ben Button since it just came out and I can take my time seeing that. I want to see Doubt, Frost/Nixon, and maybe Valkyrie.

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 7:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Want to see Gran Torino, but Ben Button I saw. It was good, but looooooong

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 7:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah Torino is pretty good and I agree Button is too long.

Torino couldn’t be found in my area too, but you can find it if you look hard enough.

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 2, 2009 7:21 PM EST up reply actions  

Was it three hours?

That’s like LOR: Return of the King

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 7:21 PM EST up reply actions  

close

And it drags out at times, making it feel like a five hour movie. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still good.

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 7:22 PM EST up reply actions  

I still plan on seeing it

I was prepared for the length of it; it looked epic.

Slumdog reminded me a bit of Children of God, how very real it was.

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 7:24 PM EST up reply actions  

It was great

Deserves serious consideration come Oscar time.

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 7:26 PM EST up reply actions  

I really want to see Milk

but it’s only playing at the Enzian :-/

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 7:27 PM EST up reply actions  

That's another one I want to watch

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 7:27 PM EST up reply actions  

I saw Brokeback Mountain there

and nearly broke my damn back craning around trying to see the screen. I don’t care for the place, m’self

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 7:28 PM EST up reply actions  

I'm sorry...

for you hurting that neck AND the choice of movie selection.

Just kidding ;)

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 2, 2009 7:30 PM EST up reply actions  

I actually thought it was only okay

I think that movie is overrated…but that’s just my opinion

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 7:35 PM EST up reply actions  

I enjoyed it :)

I liked it more the second time I watched it, and agree it was a little overrated.

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 7:36 PM EST up reply actions  

You guys are killing me

I went home to see Ben and Slumdog, but where I’m staying now I am 45 minutes away from the closest cinema. It’s killing me!!!!!

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 7:30 PM EST up reply actions  

The Spirit sucked.

Aside from Eva Mendes and Scarlett Johansson, that movie was terrible. Heck, Johansson sucked acting wise but her presence was nice to see.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:30 PM EST up reply actions  

yeah

the ending was great too, they could have done the obvious but stayed pretty bold in my opinion.

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 7:17 PM EST up reply actions  

Neither has Nash.

Not being in D’Antoni’s Seven Second or Less offense has hurt them both offensively.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:14 PM EST up reply actions  

Oh yeah, definitely

I read that Nash has narrowed down is 2010 choices to Phoenix, Toronto, and New York

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 7:15 PM EST up reply actions  

My money is on New York.

Dude adores D’Antoni, I’d be shocked if he didn’t finish his career with him. D’Antoni should be given credit for really putting Nash’s career into another stratosphere.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:16 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, Nash needs D'Antoni

And vice versa

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 7:17 PM EST up reply actions  

oh man, just watching the preview of that show makes you say 'no homo'

Dude are sitting around in their boxers vying to the win the friendship of another man. These men claim they’re straight too, seriously.

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 2, 2009 7:14 PM EST up reply actions  

There is a new "reality show" coming out, either on MTV or VH1 about some idiot from Laguna Beach or the Hills

and it’s called Bromance. From what I can make from the previews, it’s a dude holding a contest to enter his “crew” and they do pseudo-homosexual activities to prove their loyalty to the original dude. And this is probably the WORST thing I’ve ever posted on TQC. I’m sorry.

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 2, 2009 7:16 PM EST up reply actions  

at VH1 has (had) Best Week Ever

now it’s hosted by that awful comedian Paul F Tompkins and it’s just stupid now.

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 7:17 PM EST up reply actions  

Yikes.

I don’t watch a lot of TV regardless but yeah .. MTV & VH1 are a joke.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:18 PM EST up reply actions  

All shows on both channels are complete jokes. They need to go back to what they were created to do, play music videos.

I don’t watch music videos, but they’re better off with their original content. They play more soap operas than music videos these days. I could live without all of the following: MTV, VH1, BET, CMT or I’ll just continue not watching any of them. :)

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 2, 2009 7:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Dwight really needs to have a field day here

Miami has no bigs

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 7:13 PM EST reply actions  

Thanks guys, appreciate it.

I don’t understand Turkish, so that first feed was tough for me.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:19 PM EST up reply actions  

lol

not a language that’s easy to pick up

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 7:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Hah, yeah.

I misplaced my Turkish/English dictionary, so no luck for me.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:22 PM EST up reply actions  

anybody else having issues?

I’m in Seattle and watching the game on League Pass. I’m getting herky jerky reception of the game. It’s sorta annoying.

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 7:24 PM EST reply actions  

Not sure.

I’m watching via a feed, sorry I can’t help you.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:26 PM EST up reply actions  

Dwight plays out of control sometimes.

He needs to slow down a bit offensively. He tends to rush his shot a bit.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:24 PM EST reply actions  

D. Whistle misses at the line

Ball don’t lie

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 7:26 PM EST reply actions  

Chalmers

I remember Chalmers saying over the summer that he should have been a first round pick. I wonder if Lee wants to school Chalmers in this game.

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 7:30 PM EST reply actions  

true, but . . .

I don’t pay attention to second rounders, so who cares how they feel about things. :oP

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 7:33 PM EST up reply actions  

Hah.

I’m sure Rashard Lewis wouldn’t like to hear that! (hint: he was a 2nd Rd.’r)

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:34 PM EST up reply actions  

And he cried through the entire 1st round

So he knows what I’m talking about and would forgive mm elitism.

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 7:36 PM EST up reply actions  

yeah, I agree

He was just a high school kid too, so that had to feel like a horrible rejection to him (especially the Rockets had 3 1st rounders that year . . . none of them that good).

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 7:41 PM EST up reply actions  

Nope.

What’s worse is that Houston pretty much “promised” that they would pick him if he was available.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:42 PM EST up reply actions  

Wow, a Battie alley-oop!

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 7:33 PM EST reply actions  

Jameer got some hype from Eric Reid

Said he deserves to be an All Star or something. He looks pretty good so far.

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 7:34 PM EST reply actions  

Yeah, Jameer is starting to earn the praise.

I feel if the Magic get a 2nd guy to go to Phoenix, he needs to be the guy that goes.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:36 PM EST up reply actions  

Rashard

I’m just shocked that Rashard isn’t even in the top 10 on the ballot for forwards.

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 7:38 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, pretty pathetic.

NBA needs to do away with the stupid fan balloting .. I hate it for every sport.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:40 PM EST up reply actions  

The reserves are ..

2 G’s, 2 F’s, a “center”, and two “wild-cards”.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:41 PM EST up reply actions  

With the popularity contest that it is, I just don't see there being room for Jameer.

You figure Wade is starting, reserve SG out of the east, V. Carter (popularity people) and Rondo (popularity again.) Jameer would have to fit in that wild-card spot, but I don’t think he’s got enough exposure. Hope I’m wrong.

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 2, 2009 7:42 PM EST up reply actions  

It'll be tough

It’s Iverson & Wade right now .. Carter will get a spot, and he deserves it. Harris HAS to get a spot, ditto with Rondo. I just can’t see Jameer getting in.

I think, given the situation, Lewis would be a more realistic fit as the 2nd guy for the Magic.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:44 PM EST up reply actions  

Nelson might not make it, because you know Rondo will get a spot.

Heck .. Danny Granger might not make it, which is an ever bigger travesty.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:39 PM EST up reply actions  

nice first quarter

No big lead, but if we can hold them to around 20 points every quarter than we will no doubt win.

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 7:39 PM EST reply actions  

I still think Orlando needs to kick up the pace.

.. but yeah, the team is playing great defense (as usual).

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:40 PM EST up reply actions  

Nice move by Gortat

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 7:40 PM EST reply actions  

AJ is good for one thing!

Gortat gets to pad his offensive rebound stats from AJ’s misses.

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 7:42 PM EST reply actions  

No Neck with the right idea

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 7:44 PM EST reply actions  

Finally

Hidayet gets one

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 7:49 PM EST reply actions  

Turk needs to take a rest.

SVG, must the starters never play together in the second quarter? Really?

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 2, 2009 7:49 PM EST reply actions  

pretty much :-/

it was effectively him against Kobe/LeBron in those games the Heat one, and Wade is just that good

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 7:53 PM EST up reply actions  

I hate Wade

I’m a Mavs fan, so…needs no explanation

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 7:55 PM EST up reply actions  

that series was a joke

Wade was getting a ridiculous amount of foul shots. I remember some Dallas players were actually running away from Wade and still get called for the foul.

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 7:57 PM EST up reply actions  

It's obvious the NBA wants the game to be guard-oriented.

Hence SVG’s frustration over the lack of calls Dwight Howard gets in the paint, even when he gets mauled.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:59 PM EST up reply actions  

Exactly

Dwight gets mugged by two or three people and sometimes the refs miss the foul

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 8:00 PM EST up reply actions  

It is what it is.

Dwight’s just in the “wrong era”, sad to say.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 8:01 PM EST up reply actions  

No doubt

Shaq had that issue as well.

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 8:01 PM EST up reply actions  

Wow

The Heat quintupled-teamed Howard

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 7:55 PM EST reply actions  

ugh

what a crap game offensively: Magic are shooting a sad 33.3, and the Heat aren’t shooting the place up either, at 42.9.

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 7:56 PM EST reply actions  

what the heck

I know I have pct things in there! >:(

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 7:56 PM EST up reply actions  

THAT explains why Dwight has been off his game offensively.

Heat announcer said that he doesn’t practice anymore to relieve the stress on his knee, thus disrupting his timing during games because there’s no repetition occurring for him.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 7:56 PM EST reply actions  

Hedo's doing the right thing

His shot is just not going in

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 7:56 PM EST reply actions  

Wade

That sort of stuff ALWAYS happens to Bogans. He brings the bullsh!t out of the opposition.

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 7:59 PM EST reply actions  

ugh I'm not looking forward to that Hawks game

they’re playing too well, and we don’t have a good history with them

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 8:00 PM EST reply actions  

Guess I was right about Wade.

He’s definitely got the over on +35 points tonight at the pace he’s going.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 8:00 PM EST reply actions  

Wow!

Lee was going to posterize Magloire!

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 8:01 PM EST reply actions  

Not sure if anyone cares.

But I’m PUMPED for the Utah/Alabama game. I’m a huge fan of non-BCS teams, so I’m rooting on the Utes to beat ‘Bama tonight. It’ll be tough but they matchup well with them.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 8:02 PM EST reply actions  

I'll be watching.

Hope it’s not close, got ‘bama -9. I don’t see Utah keeping it close for long.

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 2, 2009 8:03 PM EST up reply actions  

Nah, they're battle tested.

It’s not going to be like Hawaii last year. Hawaii was a flawed team that wasn’t tested the entire season. Utah is MUCH better ..

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 8:04 PM EST up reply actions  

I'm pumped

great game on tv now though. East CArolina dn Kentucky are going down to the wire

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 8:03 PM EST up reply actions  

I was watching it earlier

I agree, very nice game. Most of the other bowls have been complete blow-outs. Nice seeing a game that’s actually fun to watch.

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 8:04 PM EST up reply actions  

probably lol

manages to afford living in Windermere, so I’m sure he can spend some extra cash on his hair :D

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 8:03 PM EST up reply actions  

Ah, cool.

My family lives in the Union Park area, that’s where I lived when I grew up in Orlando. I was about 10 minutes away from UCF.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 8:07 PM EST up reply actions  

their houses are insane

especially Rashard’s and Dwight’s. Beautiful, but INSANE.

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 8:08 PM EST up reply actions  

I bet.

Doesn’t Horace Grant still live in Winter Park too? Last I checked he did. I’ve actually seen his house before, it’s pretty ridiculous.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 8:10 PM EST up reply actions  

If you didn't know

Rashard is money from both sides

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 8:05 PM EST reply actions  

Magic 5-17 from the three point line

I can’t believe we’ve taken 17 shots >:| Heat are only 1-7 though, heh.

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 8:05 PM EST reply actions  

Not a terrible first half

The offense will come, but we are playing very good defense on everyone besides Wade

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 8:08 PM EST reply actions  

Jameer will probably take over in the 3rd quarter

I’m predicting 2 three pointers & 4 mid-range jumpers . . . maybe even a drive

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 8:09 PM EST up reply actions  

Magic need to usurp 100 points to win.

I really believe if the Heat hold them under 100 points, Miami will win. This is turning into a type of game that Spoelstra wants.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 8:08 PM EST reply actions  

Spoelstra

That evil genius has us right where he wants us!!!!

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 8:10 PM EST up reply actions  

Would you say he is out-coaching Stan?

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 8:10 PM EST up reply actions  

HEY

Nobody out coaches Stan!

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 8:11 PM EST up reply actions  

Agreed.

That would be the 1st sign of the apocalypse, in my opinion.

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 8:13 PM EST up reply actions  

Hah.

SVG is great, but even the great ones have off-nights.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 8:15 PM EST up reply actions  

Phil is no Stan

Ex. 1: Phil Jackson could not grow a flawless mustache

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 8:19 PM EST up reply actions  

So far, yes.

He has the pace in Miami’s favor, and I know SVG realizes that.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 8:13 PM EST up reply actions  

Half stats!

Heat: 25 rebounds, 8 assists, 46.3% FG, 83.3% on FTs, 14.3% on threes, 1 steal, 5 TOs, and 4 blocks

Magic: 26 rebounds, 9 assists, 34.8% FG, 72.7% on FTs, 29.4% on threes, 4 steals, 2 TOs, and 1 block

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 8:12 PM EST reply actions  

SVG needs to bench Bogans, like .. permanently.

He’s done nothing this game, and at this point, it’s obvious that Courtney Lee has out-performed him enough to deserve to be the starter in Pietrus’ absence.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 8:14 PM EST reply actions  

I respectfully disagree

I think J.J. needs more opportunities to prove that he is a failure of an NBA player. The only way for this to happen is for Stan to play him for more undeserved minutes at the starter spot.

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 8:16 PM EST up reply actions  

Hah.

Well done.

Why not? Right.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 8:17 PM EST up reply actions  

Seriously though...

Courtney Lee was a great pick. It’s fun watching him develop.

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 8:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Definitely.

He’s quickly become one of my favorite players. He’s a joy to watch and I’m eager to see how he develops. He’s definitely going to be a starter in the League.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 8:19 PM EST up reply actions  

yep

He’s no Sasser or Gaines

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 8:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Do NOT repeat Sasser's name.

That name pains me every time I hear it uttered and/or typed.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 8:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Good thing we didn't trade for Javaris Crittendon then

Because I would be saying “Sasser” as if it were a new verb and/or adjective.

Example: After Javaris dribbles the ball off his feet: “He just Sassered that one up.”

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 8:22 PM EST up reply actions  

In the graphic they showed

Wade was standing in front of the Heat logo in such a way that it looked like he had a halo, which is the polar opposite of what I think of him

Recommended viewing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

by Marie on Jan 2, 2009 8:23 PM EST reply actions  

The Magic need to starting doubling & tripling Wade.

SVG needs to force the other Heat players to beat him.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 8:26 PM EST reply actions  

Seriously...

Even though Magic beat them handedly last year in the playoffs, they were one team that seriously worried me. Bosh and Calderon just kill the Magic.

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 8:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Wade has 27 points

next leader for the Heat is Haslem with 10

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 8:36 PM EST reply actions  

ugh, Hedo...

2 points, 5 assists, and is an icy 1-11 from the field. He does have 8 rebounds, though.

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 8:39 PM EST reply actions  

True, but

Regardless of what happens here, USC or Florida would kill Utah

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 8:51 PM EST up reply actions  

Maybe, but there's no guarantee. That's why there needs to be a playoff, to see if that truly would be the case.

Think about it.

Alabama took Florida to the wire and Utah is smacking Alabama right now. Don’t you think Utah would give Florida a game on a neutral site? I’d think so ..

It’s about being fair and allowing the non-BCS teams a chance to play against the big boys for the National Title. That’s the problem with the system. It establishes an elitist mentality that’s been around forever.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 8:53 PM EST up reply actions  

Lee should be the starting 2-guard BUT ..

I will say that’s, given our problems with depth at the moment at the wing position, he’s probably still better served coming off the bench until Pietrus comes back.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 8:50 PM EST reply actions  

Agreed

He brings that ol’ Keyon Dooling energy from the bench that the Magic can use.

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 8:51 PM EST up reply actions  

uh oh

Turk at the free throw line.

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 9:05 PM EST reply actions  

yeah...

I shouldn’t be cringing with Turk at the free throw line like I do with Dwight. Turk at the line should be like a spa treatment in comparison

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 9:07 PM EST up reply actions  

Goodness, Marion's form is .. atrocious.

Nothing new, but still needs to be pointed out.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 9:08 PM EST reply actions  

If the Magic hold on to win, I'll be VERY impressed.

This is a type of a game elite teams win. No matter what, they’ll find a way to victory. That’s what happening to Orlando.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 9:10 PM EST reply actions  

Magic are going to do it!

Now if I can only convince Haslem to pad his stats.

by funny80sguy on Jan 2, 2009 9:22 PM EST reply actions  

Impressive win

Heat are a good team and gave the Magic a hell of a fight.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 2, 2009 9:23 PM EST reply actions  

Big win

did it with defense, not a ton of threes. Go Utah

by magic fanatic on Jan 2, 2009 9:25 PM EST reply actions  

awesome win! Woo!!

suck on that, Miami, with your beaches and tans and Birdcages.

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 9:28 PM EST reply actions  

Final stats

Heat: 41 rebounds, 15 assists, 40.5% FG, 90.0% FTs, 18.8% on threes, 8 steals, 12 TOs, 5 blocks

Magic: 54 rebounds (17 offensive!!), 19 assists, 38.2% FG, 66.7% FTs, 29.6% on threes, 7 steals, 14 TOs, 4 blocks

How the heck did we win this one? :D

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 9:32 PM EST reply actions  

DWade made 16 field goals...

… the rest of the Heats’ 10 players made 16 FGs COMBINED!! So Wade made as many FGs as the rest of his team!

by Mike from Illinois on Jan 2, 2009 9:32 PM EST reply actions  

Time to go watch the bowl games

Great game, everyone! Got to go start on some knitting too :3

by TheGiantSquid on Jan 2, 2009 9:35 PM EST reply actions  

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