Magic vs. Bobcats: Southeast rivals clash in Orlando

The Orlando Magic continue a long homestand Friday with a date against the Charlotte Bobcats on Noche Latina.

Tipoff between Orlando and Charlotte is set for 7:00 PM Eastern on Fox Sports Florida and ESPN 580 AM in Orlando. The Orlando Pinstriped Post GameThread will appear at 5:00 PM in this StoryStream and on the cover.

Orlando's last time out: With twin double-doubles from Tobias Harris (25 points, 11 rebounds) and Nikola Vucevic (22 points, 10 boards), the Magic snapped a nine-game skid Tuesday against the Portland Trail Blazers by a 95-85 final. With a renewed defensive focus, the Magic limited the visitors to 37.2 percent shooting. Portland fell despite Robin Lopez's 20 points and 13 boards.

Charlotte's last time out: The Bobcats rallied to upset the Brooklyn Nets in Charlotte on Wednesday, 116-111, in overtime. Al Jefferson beasted his way to 35 points and 15 rebounds to lead his club, which also got 20 points, five boards, and 12 assists from budding star point guard Kemba Walker. Jefferson assisted Josh McRoberts for the go-ahead bucket with 3:23 to play in the extra frame, and Chris Douglas-Roberts added a three-pointer on the Bobcats' next possession to give the home team an added edge.

The last meeting: On January 17th, Charlotte evened the season-series at one game apiece with a 111-101 win in Orlando. Jefferson scored 30 with 16 rebounds, two assists, three steals, and a blocked shot, while McRoberts sank five treys en route to a 17-point outing. Arron Afflalo led five Magic players in double-figures with 24 points on 7-of-14 shooting.