Half-assed Preview: Magic @ Hornets


Here we go. Tough one tonight, people.

The Orlando Magic are in town, and they be the only other folks in the NBA with nine wins right now. They just got done handing the Celtics their first loss of the season down in Florida yesterday, and they're looking something like the real deal so far. Let's jump to bullet-mode and figure these guys out…

  • Orlando haven't lost on the road yet, having won all six away from home so far this season. Freaks. Much like the Hornets though, they haven't beaten anyone fantastic. In fact, none of the teams they've beaten on the road are above .500 right now.
  • Still, beating the Celtics is pretty impressive, so the Magic can't be underestimated. They were up by 22 points on Boston last night, before they almost blew it and had to fight for a 2-point victory. Final score was 104-102 and you can read the recap if you click on this part of the screen.
  • The only other tough opponents Orlando have faced were Phoenix and Detroit. They lost both those games by a combined 34 points.
  • Orlando are scoring about 103 a game (8th best in the NBA), and allowing about 96 (10th best in the NBA). For the record, the Hornets put up just under 100 a game (12th) and give up just over 90 (3rd).
  • Leading the Magic is that big fucking beast of man named Dwight Howard. That guy is unreal, averaging 22 points, 14.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game this season, while shooting 56% from the field. He's like Tyson Chandler with some serious post moves. Check his game log here.
  • Also playing real well for the Magic are Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu. It cost Orlando an arm and a leg to land Lewis in the offseason, but he's earing his keep so far, averaging 21.4ppg on 47% shooting from deep. Meanwhile, Turkoglu is having himself a career season, scoring 17.6 and collecting 5.9 boards per game.
  • Can't forget Orlando's point guard either. Jameer Nelson is keeping everybody happy, dishing 6.6 nightly while pouring in 13.6 points of his own.
  • Orlando are 3-1 this season on the second night of back-to-backs.

Right, so the big question tonight is if Chris Paul will play or not. Actually, wait, that wasn't really a question, was it? Fuck. If only there was some kind of deletion button on keyboards. That would be clever.

Anyway, I have no idea if CP is playing tonight. The voices in my head tell me he won't, and they've never been wrong before, so there's that. Methinks Byron would be playing with fire if he does play Chris tonight. It's only November, so he'd be wise not to rush the kid back. I figure Jannero Pargo and Bobby Jackson can handle Jameer Nelson, and maybe we can convince Ryan Bowen to try dunking on Dwight Howard.

Also, before I punch out here, I just want to tell anyone that might be reading this from Louisiana to GET YOUR ASS TO THE ARENA TONIGHT. I just got done reading John Reid and Fletcher Mackel, and it's hard to disagree with the facts; The Hornets low attendance thus far is making New Orleans look bad.

What's wrong with you people? The Hornets are kicking ass and looking like the real deal here. I imagine the only conceivable way the game experience could be any better would be to have them Honeybees get nekkid. Just wait until I get down there; I'm gonna beat your asses into that arena.

Hornets-Magic is set for 7pm Central. Linkage…


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