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One year to the day after shaking up the franchise with two big trades, the Orlando Magic visit the Miami Heat on Sunday, the first of two preseason meetings against the defending Eastern Conference Champions.
Following a disappointing showing in the playoffs, and in the midst of superstar center Dwight Howard's potential departure, Orlando finds itself in a bit of a rough spot as the season begins. Will the addition of power forward Glen Davis--set to come off the bench Sunday, with Ryan Anderson to start--and the departure of point guard Gilbert Arenas prove enough to boost the Magic back into the East's elite? They'll grapple with that question throughout the year, beginning Sunday.
Miami added ace wing defender Shane Battier--though he's doubtful for Sunday's game--to its impressive roster via free agency, giving it three of the league's 10 best perimeter stoppers.
| 2011/2012 NBA Preseason | ||
|---|---|---|
 | @ |  |
| December 18th, 2011 | ||
| AmericanAirlines Arena | ||
| 6:00 PM | ||
| FSN Florida | ||
| Possible Starters | ||
| Jameer Nelson | PG | Mario Chalmers |
| Jason Richardson | SG | Dwyane Wade |
| Hedo Turkoglu | SF | LeBron James |
| Ryan Anderson | PF | Chris Bosh |
| Dwight Howard | C | Joel Anthony |
| 2010/11 Advanced Stats | ||
| 91.4 (17th) | Pace | 90.9 (20th) |
| 107.7 (T-14th) | ORtg | 111.7 (3rd) |
| 101.8 (3rd) | DRtg | 103.5 (5th) |
| Game Officials | ||
| David Jones | ||
| Brian Forte | ||
| Tre Maddox | ||