Matchup: Magic (25-12) @ Hornets (22-16)
Off Efficiency: Magic 105.9 (10th), Hornets 102.6 (19th)
Def Efficiency: Magic 98.9 (4th), Hornets 100.0 (6th)
Pace: Magic 93.9 (18th), Hornets 91.7 (28th)
The Orlando Magic come to New Orleans tonight for a game as important in the stands as it is on the court. With five games remaining in January, the team has to average 14,933 fans per home game in order to trigger a lease extension. Of the remaining games, there are three against fairly big name teams (Orlando, San Antonio, OKC), and each one of them needs to draw big crowds. If you haven’t bought tickets, do it now. This game is going to be a good one.
The Magic have won 10 (edit-9)straight games and quite literally on fire since the trade that brought Hedo Turkoglo and Jason Richardson into town. The two teams split their season series last year with each team winning at home. Also, both teams are defensive minded squads who play at a slow pace. This one might be a very low scoring affair.
Injuries:
Magic: Malik Allen is questionable with a sprained left ankle while Daniel Orton (left knee surgery) and Jason Williams (arthritis in feet) remain out indefinitely.
Hornets: none
Positional Analysis
PG: Chris Paul vs Jameer Nelson
Advantage: Hornets
Jameer Nelson remains one of the most underrated point guards in the league today, mostly because of how good everyone else has been. Don’t be fooled by his exclusion from every single best PG in the game debates, because the guy can play. His numbers aren’t phenomenal, but he gets it done. He shoots 45/41/82, and puts up 14- 6.6- 3 boards- 1 steal in about 30 a game. He’s outperformed his opposition all year long by a PER of about 1.3. He scores .93 points per possession, and gives up only .82 to his mark. Still, he’s not Chris Paul.
SG: Marco Belinelli vs Jason Richardson
Advantage: Magic
Although Marco has been playing well of late (50/56/90 shooting in his last five), Richardson is a much more complete player than Belinelli. He rebounds nearly twice as often, and scores more points at a higher efficiency.
SF: Trevor Ariza vs Hedo Turkoglu
Advantage: As has been documented many times, Ariza is having an awful season, and Hedo has been reborn in Orlando. Perhaps he should be called the Phoenix. He racked up 17 assists the other night, and is just meshing beautifully with the team. He’s a big reason they have won 10 in a row.
PF: David West vs Brandon Bass
Advantage: Hornets
David West takes this one in just about every way, even though Brandon Bass is having his best season ever as a result of increased efficiency, and an all time high in minutes played per game. That said, he’s too small and West needs to take advantage of that all night long. Bass can be coerced into making mistakes, and considering how smart West is, I think he’s going to make Bass pay when he does.
C: Emeka Okafor vs Dwight Howard
Advantage: Magic
There was a time when it wasn’t clear who would be the better player. Emeka is having one of his best years ever, but the debate has long been settled. Typically Dwight dominates Dominates DOMINATES DOMINATES Okafor, so we might be seeing a lot of Aaron Gray (who played very well against Dwight last year).
Bench: Magic: Lots of guys
Hornets: Not many
Advantage: Magic
Even though the Magic are thin up front after sending Rashard Lewis and Marcin Gortat packing, they still dominate Jason Smith and DJ Mbenga/Aaron Gray. At the other three positions, the Magic have the advantage, although I firmly believe that Jarett Jack will make believers out of us soon.
Notes From the Arena
- Marcus has played only 24 minutes in the past five games. The Hornets are 12-8 when he plays 10 minutes or more.
- The Hornets have the 8th best home record in the NBA (14-5)
- Blast from the past- Aaron Gray’s big game.
121 responses to “Game On: Magic @ Hornets”
WHAT TIME IS IT….AARON GRAY TIME!!??!
Be very careful here…
Refs can decide a game’s outcome in as little as a quarter with foul calls.
I think we should have MBenga activated as well.
We need a lot of center rotations tonight.
Good preview. Orlando’s won 9 straight games though, not 10.
Right. Let’s not try to give them their 10th straight until they actually play tonight please. LOL.
Also, a lot may depend on this guy…
http://www.phillyref.com/basketball/nbarefs/ism_steve_javie.jpg
Hahaha.
Seriously, we have Javie? Ugh. 10 it is.
LOL m_W!
Did anyone see how Ken Mauer gave the Timberwolves 5 techs in a matter of 10 shot clock seconds in the game against San Antonio last night? Unbelievable.
I hope the bench brings it tonight b/c i have a feeling that will be a major factor in this game also trevor needs to channel his play from the 09′ finals against the magic in this game.
Yeah the bench needs to step up. Also, the Hornets will need to play some good doggone defense for 4 quarters or more if there happens to be a need for overtime. Don’t wait until after halftime to play defense. It could certainly be too late by then.
And ESPN’s John Hollinger will be at tonight’s game. I’m guessing he’ll be looking for some dirt to include in his next statistical article.
we dont do good against good shooting teams in the nba. i not expect much.
Is Monty aware of what kind of game Gray had against Howard last season? I’m not saying it’s a given that the results will be the same but is Monty even aware? Last season was last season.
man, qween
nobody is a greater fan than me.
but putting these expectations on the big guy is rather rough.
all i want is for him to give it everything.
i think that last matchup was sort of freakish.
gray can play against him, but i still believe refs can take gray out in a few calls.
I would love to see CP come out aggressive and go RIGHT @ Dwight tonight.
Go @ him how, you ask? Like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7vfmqQbO0E
Get Dwight in foul trouble, and we win this game EASILY.
LOL AgentZiko! CP can go at Dwight but I don’t think he’s going to be trying any of that. LOL.
I got floor seats to the game leaving in like 10 mins so i wont be on here to bitch about willie green and listen to people say wheres marcus 🙁 GEAUX HORNETS!
Pretty weak that Buzz Fest is getting cancelled tonight. Guess I’m going to have to get ripped at home before heading down to the game. I want to see the Hornets whoop up on some Magic ass! Big game tonight for the Hornets. Every player needs to show up tonight.
Exceeding 16,000 tonight is a reasonable goal with helpful consequences.
if this were chicago and we were voting, the number would already be in.
i’m not sayin nuttin, i’m just sayin.
see
Very optimistic views on this game in the podcast. I’m actually feeling very pessimistic at the moment. However, this is probably the result of the food poisoning I got…. I just hope you guys are right.
Hey, let’s give Ariza some credit for his play this month. The month is almost half way done and he is averaging –
14.0 PPG, 51 FG% (5.8/11.4), 32% from 3 (1.4/4.4), 6.6 RPG, 1.8 SPG
I think those are great numbers and I think it’s obvious since maybe the Atlanta game when he posted his first double double, he’s been playing much better and has looked much more comfortable and confident. If Hedo guards him tonight I expect another good game from Trevor. I think Trevor would be too athletic for Hedo to guard so let’s hope he tries. I’ve only made 1 prediction so far this year and that was Marco against GSW and I was right, so I’ll make another one and say that Trevor has at least 14 points and shoots right around 50%.
I’m all for that.
Oh no. This is the announcer who keeps saying New Or-lee-unz.
Ah man I hope Marco is alright.
Perfect start other than Marco going out
Beautiful pass!
Would have been nice to see Turkeyglue and Bellynelly go 3 for 3, but players who stand too close to Superman have a tendency to get hurt.
Tied up at 14-14, but all our players have neutral/positive +/-, while the Magic all have neutral/negative. Interesting.
great west got his 2nd foul…
Seems like the refs are always against us.. can’t figure out why though
whoever called steve javie being an absolute prick like usual was dead on
Dont waste your breath Monty Javie isn’t gonna change his ways….
How’s the crowd tonight?
buckets goin buck wild!
haha Marcus is going off
Marcus making things happen!
I just remembered the comparison that was made on a previous podcast about how Jason Terry gets his points in the flow of the game, but Marcus Thornton gets his by being a ball stopper. I’m not hating on Marcus, but I would love to see him let the game come to him more.
With that being said, brilliant start for him tonight! Geaux Marcus!
how was that a foul on oak?
It wasn’t. Astonishingly, the called a travel, which is the correct call. That’s what makes it astonishing.
Whats Marco out with?
Looks like he turned his ankle.
the offense is looking more active with marcus in, i think buckets and marco have similar skill sets but marco is too hesitant and/or doesn’t have the quickness buckets has
Cp3 was angry at Marcus for a second there….
If the Magic were playing any other team he’d have at least 2 fouls by now and Van Gundy would be b*tching.
The ‘he’ I’m talking about is Dwight.
good half so far, only 3 TOs, defense has been good and the offense has been active. i’d say keep to the same gameplan in the 2nd half and make howard try to beat us offensively. and geez mek learn the pump fake and you’d have 2 more baskets!
I’m loving the low scoring affair.
Did I mention I hate J Rich as well?
Lovin how Trevor and Marcus are playing. I think I would still be a Marcus fan if he was playing on any other team in the league… except the spurs
ya, there has always been certain hornets players that i will always root for i.e. LJ, hersey hawkins, etc.
what is attendance for tonight game anyone?
stan van gundy looks like he has servers full of hard core pornography
Trevor 5-7 for 12 points.
So far so good on my prediction.
When did Toronto trade Stojakovic to the Magic?
Ryan Andersen is killing is.
Pick up your defense Marcus…… any other night Reddick would have hit all three of them.
only thing keeping the magic in the game is the 3 ball
I’m guessing this is what John Hollinger came to NOLA for…
“And now the stat of the night for Hornets fans: 13,688. Disappointing attendance figure given opponent and impending escape provision.
3 minutes ago via web “
I really hope that numbers not accurate
I hope its just Hollinger’s hate for the Hornets and not the actuall attendance….
I don’t know if that’s the actual attendance but that is the announced total. And I’m sure he isn’t in NOLA just because he wanted to see the Hornets play the Magic.
Marcus got robbed on the offensive foul
2 Robberies against Marcus…..
1. That was not an Offensive Foul.
2. He was fouled on the next possession.
Wow offensive foul on Marcus? You have to to be kidding. Thanks goodness Redick is ice cold
Indiana played Dallas which is a hot top team and they had 11K. Can someone tweet that to Hollinger?
worst charge called EVER
Charlotte had the hot Bulls in town and had 12K.
i don’t understand how indy still has a team since i think their attendance has been terrible since miller retired and they haven’t made the playoffs in probably 6+ years.
Indy has had financial problems and have been mentioned a time or two in relo threats but I doubt they have an attendance clause in their lease and I don’t think any team has ever left because of attendance. If the Hornets didn’t have that attendance clause in their lease most probably wouldn’t give a you know what about it but since they do, everyone wants to pay attention to it.
Is Marcus Thornton superman?
Howard throws elbows all night and finally got called for slapping Emeka’s hand away.
how is the attendance tonight?
Wow, thats bogus…
CP arguing the Magic didn’t have possession on that missed Okafor free throw. Hedo let the ball bounce off of him like a hot cake and they say Magic had possession therefore was allowed to call a timeout. SMH.
I love Hugo the Mascot when he dances. LOL.
Big offensive rebound Marcus! BIG!
Come on CP3!! We needed both of those free throws man!! Come on! Dang.
I can’t watch
Ugh sounds like hollingers attendance number was correct
whats the attendance???
Scroll through the thread.
According to hollinger 13,688.
excuse my language but FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why oh why did we not foul howard!!!!
EFF!!! See. CP needed to hit both of those damn free throws. Hornets would still be up 1.
Oh god ariza is triggering
NO! not overtime!
They know they should’ve fouled Howard. Crazy not to.
great NO has learned to guard the 3…
Damn it! Overtime.
And I still don’t like Trevor inbounding the ball. Especially not in crunch time. Damn Hornets! My heart can’t stand overtime.
now I remember why Thornton doesn’t play
y not???? is it cus of the amazing 3 he made in overtime? the 18 points he has tonight? the 9 rebounds he had? what is it homie? cus hes had an amazing night
watch the final 15 seconds of regulation again and tell me who left their man open behind the arc to double Howard in the paint
smh u have no idea what youre talking about someone shouldve fouled howard. u dont know jack
Without Thornton we aren’t in this game.
dont forget about the big shot he just made with 30 sec left in overtime
Come on Hornets. You’ve been playing well all game. Don’t lose it now.
CP3, come through in the clutch man. All Hornets, come through in the clutch. PLEASE!
Shot clock violation on the Magic. Good defense!!
Double technicals? Here go the refs. Double T’s on Paul and Bass.
Jesus, I’m shaking.
DEFENSE HORNETS!! DEFENSE!!!
dwight howard just CHOKED!!!!!!
shaq i mean howard needs to practice free throws.
No he doesn’t. At least not when he plays the Hornets. Haha.
MARCUS PROVE THE HATERS WRONG AND MAKE THAT SH@T
Yes! Clutch free throws from Thornton
Please pull this off Hornets. Please. I’m cold and shaking over here.
MARCUS MOTHA F*CKIN THORTON!!!!!!!!
HORNETS SNAP MAGIC WIN STREAK!! WOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Hornets needed this win at home because chances are the Magic will beat the Hornets when they go to Orlando. Good win Hornets! Good win!
not that i wish injury to anyone but this might be a good thing to get thornton some mins. when he gets mins he performs, i could care less about how stats say he’s not good haha.
great game all around everyone stepped up when they needed to especially thornton, although he was a bit of a chucker tonight but it worked out for the best
got DAMN they almost me a heart attack
You and me both Forever504! I know it’s just a game but when you want your team to win badly, it can cause heart palpitations. LOL!
THORTON IS CLUTCH!!! good to see he could hit the shots when jameer nelson essentially shut paul down. also Bass played great d on West…
Paul must’ve shut Nelson down all night then with those 2 little points he had and West must’ve shut Bass down too with him going 3-13 and all.
GEAUX HORNETS!! WOOOOO!!
I must give props to Emeka for basically holding his own against Howard. Good job Mek.
As much as I criticize Marcus Thornton at times … I have to admit ….
I’m very proud of this guy’s performance tonight!
It’s not as if I don’t want this guy to play well. The better he plays, the better the Hornets are. Why would I wish for him not to succeed?
Any of us who have been critical of him have been waiting for this performance / opportunity … especially against an elite team not named San Antonio!
Now that Belinelli will be out for a while the stage is set for Marcus to prove that he can do this on a good team, night-in-and-night-out!
I like Marco but, the Hornets do not win ‘this game’ if Belinelli plays his regular minutes!
L_REAZY
How do you know Marco will be out for a while?
I guess it’s an assumption based on ‘Gill’s’ comment about Marco leaving the game “…due to an ugly ankle sprain, and we don’t know when he’ll be able to return.”
L_REAZY
He got a sprained ankle so hell probly be out a couple weeks
and those refs should be FIRED
With Javie leading the charge I’m surprised Hornets won that darn game.
gotta say ariza has been looking great lately, looks like he got his confidence back, and hopefully he’s going to be more active in making cuts towards the basket now. if we get that kind of game out of ariza every night we’d probably win 70% of the time.
Glad we won this one. Okafor did a great job against Superman, but he could have used some help. We need to cut Gray ASAP and get someone who doesn’t make a donut collection on stat sheets. Francisco Elson anyone?
Why would anyone want someone you say is the worst in the league?
Why would anyone engage in a trade for him? And which of few teams under the cap would just absorb him?
was the attendance really 13688? cus on tv it looked like a lot more!!!!