UPDATE: Hedo Turkoglu is out tonight. Mickael Pietrus started in his place.
| 2008/2009 NBA Regular Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 | @ |  |
| 29-35 | 46-17 | |
| March 11th, 2009 | ||
| Amway Arena | ||
| 7:00 PM | ||
| FSN Florida HD | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Derrick Rose | PG | Rafer Alston |
| Ben Gordon | SG | Courtney Lee |
| John Salmons | SF | Mickael Pietrus |
| Tyrus Thomas | PF | Rashard Lewis |
| Joakim Noah | C | Dwight Howard |
| Previous Meetings: | ||
| November 3rd: Magic 96, Bulls 93 | ||
| December 31st: Magic 113, Bulls 94 | ||
| February 24th: Bulls 120, Magic 102 | ||
First, a Hedo Turkoglu injury update: after this morning's shootaround, he's a game-time decision due to left Achilles' tendinitis. If he's unavailable, the Magic will likely insert Mickael Pietrus into his spot in the starting lineup, reports Brian Schmitz.
I'll keep this preview brief, since I'm sure the result of the last meeting between these two teams is still fresh in your mind. The Magic played one of their sloppiest, laziest, most embarrassing games in recent history, and the result was a humiliating defeat to a mediocre team. Rashard Lewis had a particularly rough night, missing 9 of his 12 shots, including this dunk; not scoring after the 4:33 mark of the first period; watching helplessly as Brad Miller raced lumbered up the court and dunked:
Ouch.
The Bulls are fresh off a heartbreaking loss to the Miami Heat, in which they had possession with 10 seconds left and the game tied in double overtime. Dwyane Wade stole the ball from John Salmons and swished a running three-pointer as time expired. A thrilling finish, and a heartbreaking loss for tonight's visitors, which is why coach Vinny Del Negro cancelled practice yesterday and took the team bowling. (HT: BDL)
The Magic are also coming off a tough loss, and I'd like nothing better than to see them take out their frustration on the Bulls. As we learned two weeks ago, this team is a tough out. And with the Bulls jockeying hard for playoff position, they will certainly "leave it all on the floor," to use a well-worn phrase.
Tip's at 7. Go Magic.