The Orlando Magic look to end their recent stretch of poor, uninspired play Wednesday when they host the Washington Wizards, one of the league's worst teams, at Amway Center. The Magic have lost four straight games, tying three other occasions for their longest stretch of futility in the Stan Van Gundy era, and have done so by an average of 15 points per game. Orlando has the look of a team on the verge of utter collapse.
Fortunately, the Magic have a great opportunity to right themselves Wednesday, as the 4-17 Wizards don't figure to present much of a challenge. Orlando has won each of the last seven meetings with Washington by an average of 17.4 points per game. Since the Magic dealt the Washington an 18-point defeat on January 4th, the Wizards fired coach Flip Saunders and replaced him with NBA retread Randy Wittman. Under its interim coach, Washington has gone 2-2, but both of its wins came against the league-worst Charlotte Bobcats. However, second-year point guard John Wall has been a nightmare: in his last 10 games, the Kentucky product is averaging 19.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and one blocked shot.
Orlando may be shorthanded Wednesday, with its starting backcourt of Jameer Nelson and Jason Richardson nursing head and knee injuries, respectively. Chris Duhon and J.J. Redick may wind up getting the start.
Wizards big man Andray Blatche is out due to a calf injury. High-flying rookie Jan Vesely replaces him in the starting five.
| 2011/2012 NBA Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 | @ |  |
| 4-17 (1-8 away) Lost 1 | 12-9 (6-4 home) Lost 4 | |
| February 1st, 2012 | ||
| Amway Center | ||
| 7:00 PM | ||
| Sun Sports | ||
| Probable Starters | ||
| John Wall | PG | Chris Duhon |
| Nick Young | SG | J.J. Redick |
| Rashard Lewis | SF | Hedo Turkoglu |
| Jan Vesely | PF | Ryan Anderson |
| JaVale McGee | C | Dwight Howard |
| Season Series | ||
| January 4th: Magic 103, Wizards 85 | ||
| 2011/12 Advanced Stats | ||
| 93.7 (T-3rd) | Pace | 89.2 (26th) |
| 94.8 (30th) | ORtg | 101.7 (19th) |
| 104.9 (T-23rd) | DRtg | 101.3 (12th) |
| Game Officials | ||
| Derrick Stafford | ||
| Tommy Nuñez Jr. | ||
| Scott Wall | ||