The Orlando Magic, fresh off an impressive road win against the Boston Celtics, return home to host the New Orleans Hornets at Amway Arena tonight. I'm forced to make this preview brief, but just know that as of last month the Hornets weren't nearly as good as their record indicated, which has held true: they have the point differential of a 23-win team, yet sports 28 wins due to an exceptional record in close games. Orlando caught a bit of a break tonight as All-Star point guard Chris Paul, inarguably the best at his position in the NBA, will sit out due to left knee surgery. In his place is the remarkable rookie Darren Collison. He's averaged 15.5 points, 3.4 rebounda, and 7.7 assists as a starter, which is impressive enough. More worrisome for the Magic is that he fits the profile of small, quick guards who have played out of their minds against them.
| 2009/2010 NBA Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 | @ |  |
| 27-24 | 34-17 | |
| February 8th, 2010 | ||
| Amway Arena | ||
| 8:00 PM | ||
| TNT | ||
| Probable Starters | ||
| Darren Collison | PG | Jameer Nelson |
| Marcus Thornton | SG | Vince Carter |
| Peja Stojakovic | SF | Matt Barnes |
| David West | PF | Rashard Lewis |
| Emeka Okafor | C | Dwight Howard |
| Game Officials | ||
| Bob Delaney | ||
| James Capers | ||
| Derrick Collins | ||