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While the Orlando Magic wrap up their game against the Detroit Pistons this evening, rookie center Daniel Orton will make his debut for the NBA D-League's New Mexico Thunderbirds as they host the Erie BayHawks. You can watch the former Kentucky Wildcat play his first full-court, competitive game in months at 9:30 Eastern, for free, streaming on the D-League's website. Click the "FUTURECAST" link on the scoreboard, located on the right-hand side of the page.
Orlando assigned Orton, the 29th pick in this year's Draft, to New Mexico earlier this week so he could get some playing time while the Magic are away on their road trip.
Orton, known for his defense and shot-blocking skills, faces similarly inclined center tonight in Erie's Solomon Alabi, the former Florida State Seminole now on assignment from the Toronto Raptors. Alabi tallied 9 points, 8 boards, and 3 blocked shots in Erie's 113-100 win over the Fort Wayne Mad Ants last week. Cleveland Cavaliers swingman Christian Eyenga is also on assignment with the BayHawks.