The Orlando Magic visit the Philadephia 76ers this evening and will try to maintain their recent strong play. A victory tonight would give Orlando 50 wins on the season, which would establish a new high in shooting guard Vince Carter's career and mark the third straight season with 50-plus wins for the franchise. Philadelphia's just playing out the string here during a disappointing first season under coach Eddie Jordan, who's already lost his team and could be the first coach canned this summer; Philly fans were discussing the inevitability of Jordan's departure in December, about 2 months after the season started. The 76ers lost to lottery-bound Chicago by 14 points, at home, in their last game, mostly because they missed 16 of their 17 three-point attempts. I'm not saying I expect the 76ers to lie down, or anything, but I'm also not expecting anyone apart from Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodala, and Samuel Dalembert to give 100% tonight. Barring a total letdown on Orlando's part--and it's had a few of those this season--it should indeed reach that 50-win mark tonight as it continues it march toward the playoffs.
2009/2010 NBA Season | ||
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@ | ||
49-21 (21-14 away) Won 2 | 24-56 (11-23 home) Lost 2 | |
March 22nd, 2010 | ||
Wachovia Center | ||
7:00 PM | ||
Fox Sports Florida | ||
Probable Starters | ||
Jameer Nelson | PG | Jrue Holiday |
Vince Carter | SG | Willie Green |
Matt Barnes | SF | Andre Iguodala |
Rashard Lewis | PF | Elton Brand |
Dwight Howard | C | Samuel Dalembert |
Previous Meetings | ||
October 28th: Magic 120, 76ers 106 | ||
March 1st: Magic 125, 76ers 105 | ||
Advanced Stats | ||
92.3 (19th) | Pace | 91.6 (22nd) |
110.2 (9th) | ORtg | 105.3 (21st) |
102.7 (4th) | DRtg | 109.2 (18th) |
Game Officials | ||
Mike Callahan | ||
Mark Ayotte | ||
Marat Kogut | ||
What makes the 76ers dangerous is their ability to get out on the break after forcing turnovers. A lethargic and uninspired team can fire itself up, at home, with a few transition conversions. Philadelphia opponents commit turnovers on 13.8% of their possessions, the 12th-highest figure in the league. That's the best way the 76ers to stay in this one. The Magic have to be careful with the ball. If they aren't, they could lose. If they are, though, Philadelphia would have to shoot out of its mind to stick with Orlando, which doesn't seem likely.